Major Drug Bust in Iloilo Nets P3.5 Million Worth of Shabu and Three Suspects
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Western Visayas, police operatives have successfully seized more than 520 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P3,536,000 during a series of coordinated anti-drug operations conducted on April 14 and April 15, 2026. The operations, which spanned Iloilo City and the municipality of Sara in Iloilo province, resulted in the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) and one street-value individual (SVI), marking a substantial achievement in the region's ongoing campaign against narcotics.
Coordinated Police Efforts Yield Substantial Results
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their effective and well-synchronized efforts. "This accomplishment reflects our firm and sustained campaign against illegal drugs and other criminal activities," Ligan stated. He emphasized the commitment of PRO 6 to intensify its initiatives to ensure the safety and security of Western Visayas, urging public support in reporting suspicious activities within communities.
The operations involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas (RPDEU 6), the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), and various local police stations, showcasing a collaborative approach to combating drug trafficking.
Detailed Breakdown of the Operations and Arrests
Iloilo City Operations (April 15, 2026):
- At 4:17 p.m. in Barangay Lanit, Jaro District, authorities arrested alias Bebe, a 21-year-old resident identified as an HVI. She is the live-in partner of alias Kyle, a minor and primary target who remains at large. Approximately 180 grams of shabu worth P1,224,000 were recovered from her possession.
- At 10:05 p.m. in Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo District, alias Papang or Nonoy, a 32-year-old unemployed resident and HVI, was apprehended. Authorities confiscated about 70 grams of shabu valued at P476,000 and a caliber 9mm revolver with three live rounds of ammunition, lacking proper documentation.
Both suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Papang or Nonoy will also be charged under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, for illegal possession of a firearm.
Sara, Iloilo Operation (April 14, 2026)
In a separate buy-bust operation at 6:50 p.m. in Barangay Devera, Sara, joint elements of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Team 3, Sara Municipal Police Station, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit arrested two drug personalities. Alias Jef, a 44-year-old former seafarer from San Dionisio, Iloilo, newly tagged as an HVI, and alias Andri, a 44-year-old laborer and SVI residing in Sara, were taken into custody.
Authorities seized 270 grams of shabu worth P1,836,000, along with five transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, buy-bust money, and other non-drug items. Police noted that the arrest of Jef followed several prior attempts, highlighting sustained monitoring and intelligence efforts by law enforcement.
Andri is currently under the custody of Sara Municipal Police Station for proper disposition, while alias Jef is under hospital arrest due to hypertension. Both suspects will be charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, which carry penalties of life imprisonment and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10,000,000.
Continued Vigilance and Public Safety Assurance
Police officials have reaffirmed their dedication to ongoing operations aimed at curbing illegal drug activities across Western Visayas. "Rest assured that we will remain relentless in our campaign, ensuring that no drug personality is beyond the reach of the law," General Ligan added. The successful seizures and arrests underscore the proactive measures being taken to disrupt drug networks and enhance public safety in the region.
As investigations proceed, authorities encourage community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, reinforcing the collective effort required to maintain a drug-free environment. The operations serve as a clear message that law enforcement agencies are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens from the harms of illegal substances.
