Major Drug Bust in Iloilo Nets P7.5 Million Worth of Shabu
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Western Visayas, operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) have successfully arrested two suspected drug personalities and seized a substantial quantity of shabu valued at P7,514,000. The operation took place on the afternoon of Monday, February 2, 2026, in Barangay Balabag, Santa Barbara, Iloilo, marking a critical victory in the region's ongoing anti-drug campaign.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The buy-bust operation, conducted at precisely 4:33 p.m., resulted in the apprehension of two individuals identified only by their aliases. The primary target, known as alias Daboy or Jaboy, is a 39-year-old resident of Jaro District, Iloilo City, who has been classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the drug trade. His accomplice, alias Jeth, aged 35 and residing in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo, was identified as a street-value individual (SVI).
Authorities confiscated a total of 1,105 grams of shabu during the operation. The seized items included:
- Nine regular-sized heat-sealed plastic sachets
- Four large heat-sealed plastic sachets
- Five knot-tied plastic sachets containing the illegal substance
- Buy-bust money used in the operation
- Various non-drug items as evidence
Police Leadership Commends Successful Operation
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operatives for their disciplined and effective work. In a statement, he emphasized that this seizure sends a powerful message about PRO 6's relentless commitment to combating illegal drugs. "Our success is driven by disciplined police work, strong intelligence coordination, and the invaluable support of the community," Ligan stated.
He further appealed to community members to continue collaborating with law enforcement to enhance safety and eradicate drug-related activities in their neighborhoods, underscoring the importance of collective efforts for community well-being.
Intensive Surveillance and Operational Planning
The operation was the result of meticulous planning and intelligence gathering. According to police reports, the suspects had been under surveillance for approximately two months after IPPO received credible information about their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities. Validation and monitoring confirmed these reports, leading to the execution of the buy-bust.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, the provincial director of IPPO, also lauded the operatives and expressed gratitude for the community's continued support. The operation was carried out by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 1 of IPPO, with assistance from the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Background and Charges Faced by Suspects
Investigations revealed that alias Daboy was the primary target, newly identified as an HVI, while alias Jeth, identified as his cousin, was classified as a newly identified SVI. Authorities believe the suspects sourced their illegal drugs from Metro Manila and distributed them in several barangays within Santa Barbara and Pavia, Iloilo.
The arrested individuals are currently detained at the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station and will face serious charges under Republic Act (RA) 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Specifically, they are charged with:
- Section 5: Illegal sale of dangerous drugs
- Section 11: Illegal possession of dangerous drugs
- Section 26: Attempt or conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading
These offenses carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment to death and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10,000,000, highlighting the gravity of their alleged crimes.
Ongoing Commitment to Law Enforcement
IPPO has reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining aggressive law enforcement operations against illegal drugs, with the continued support of PRO 6. This operation underscores their commitment to ensuring peace and order in Iloilo province, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between police units and the community in the fight against drug proliferation.
