Major Drug Bust in Western Visayas: P19.3 Million in Shabu Seized, 61 Suspects Nabbed
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) have successfully confiscated approximately 2.846 kilograms of shabu, with an estimated street value of P19,357,560, and arrested 61 individuals during a series of 41 anti-drug operations conducted from April 6 to 12, 2026, across the region.
PRO 6 Director Josefino Ligan emphasized that this accomplishment underscores the intensified and unwavering commitment of the police force to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs. He revealed that among those apprehended, 21 were classified as high-value individuals (HVI), while 40 were identified as street-value individuals (SVI).
Largest Seizure in Estancia, Iloilo
The most substantial drug haul during this period occurred in an operation led by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), specifically the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 3, in coordination with the Estancia Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit. The operation was executed around 1:50 p.m. on April 7, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion Zone 1, Estancia, Iloilo.
Authorities seized about 560 grams of shabu valued at P3,808,000 and arrested five drug personalities. The suspects include alias Kurt, 20, an HVI, along with aliases Jade, 35; Len, 21; Raf, 42; and Charl, 19, all tagged as SVIs. All individuals are residents of Estancia, Iloilo.
Second-Largest Operation in Iloilo City
Another major operation took place at 9:33 p.m. on April 9, 2026, in Zone 2, Barangay Tanza Esperanza, Iloilo City. This was conducted by operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas (RPDEU 6), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas (RIU 6), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit 6, and Iloilo City Police Station 7 under the Iloilo City Police Office.
The operation resulted in the arrest of live-in partners identified as alias Rex, 36, an HVI with a prior arrest record for violation of Republic Act 9165, and alias Judy, 28. Both are residents of Esperanza City Proper District, Iloilo City. Seized from their possession were about 465 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P3,162,000.
Significant Bust in Batad, Iloilo
A further notable operation was carried out by the Batad Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 3, around 1:20 p.m. on April 9, 2026, in Barangay Banban, Batad, Iloilo. This operation was initiated based on a tip from a concerned citizen.
Authorities arrested alias Rene, 39, a construction worker and HVI, who is a resident of Estancia, Iloilo. Confiscated from his possession were 340 grams of shabu valued at P2,312,000, along with one .38 caliber revolver loaded with six live ammunition rounds.
Intelligence-Driven Operations and Legal Actions
Police officials stated that all operations were intelligence-driven and executed through buy-busts and the implementation of search warrants, with close coordination among various law enforcement units and support from community informants. All arrested suspects are now facing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, while alias Rene will also face charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 related to illegal firearms.
Director Ligan urged local government units, barangay officials, and the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help ensure a safer and drug-free Western Visayas. He highlighted that this series of successful operations reflects PRO 6's steadfast dedication to safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
