Major Drug Bust in Iloilo: Police Seize P3.5 Million Worth of Shabu
In a significant blow to illegal drug operations in Western Visayas, operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) successfully conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted in the confiscation of shabu valued at approximately P3.5 million. The operation took place in Barangay Agdahon, Passi City, Iloilo, on the morning of Friday, February 6, 2026.
Details of the Operation and Arrests
The police action, which occurred around 11:40 a.m., led to the seizure of more or less 515 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of P3,502,000. During the operation, two suspects were apprehended:
- Alias Danny, 60 years old, identified as a high-value individual by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the IPPO.
- Alias Joecel, 54 years old, classified as a street-value individual.
Both individuals are unemployed residents of Passi City, Iloilo, and were taken into police custody following the bust.
Coordinated Efforts and Evidence Recovery
The operation was a collaborative effort involving elements of the PDEU Team 2 of the IPPO, working in close coordination with the Passi City Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit. This teamwork ensured the smooth execution of the buy-bust, highlighting the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug-related crimes.
From the suspects, police recovered several key items, including:
- Six plastic sachets containing the illegal substance shabu.
- The marked buy-bust money used in the operation.
- Various non-drug items that were part of the evidence collection.
The seized drugs have been turned over for proper documentation and laboratory examination to confirm their composition and weight, while the suspects await formal charges.
Legal Actions and Commendations
Appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspects for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This legal framework provides the basis for prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with Philippine law.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their successful efforts. In a statement, he emphasized, “The seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs is a clear manifestation of the dedication of our personnel to eliminate the menace of illegal drugs in Western Visayas. We assure the public that your Western Visayas police will continue to do our best to achieve a drug-free community for the sake of future generations.”
Broader Anti-Drug Campaign
This operation is part of the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign spearheaded by PRO 6, which aims to dismantle drug networks and prevent the distribution of illegal substances in communities across Iloilo province and the wider region. By targeting both high-value and street-level individuals, the police are working to disrupt the supply chain and reduce the availability of drugs in local areas.
The successful bust in Passi City underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety and combat drug-related issues, contributing to the broader goal of creating safer, drug-free environments for all residents.
