Police in Western Visayas Nab Two High-Value Drug Suspects, Confiscate P1.53 Million Worth of Shabu
In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, operatives from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully apprehended two high-value individuals and seized approximately 225 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1.53 million. The meticulously planned buy-bust operation unfolded at Burgos Ville, Barangay San Isidro, La Paz District, Iloilo City, on the evening of March 8, 2026, at around 8:33 p.m.
Commendation from Regional Director
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of PRO 6, lauded the operating units for their effective anti-drug efforts. He emphasized the police force's unwavering dedication to safeguarding communities from the perils of illegal substances. "The successful arrest of these HVIs and the seizure of a significant volume of illegal drugs reflect our sustained and focused efforts to keep our communities safe from the harmful effects of illegal drugs," Ligan stated. "Illegal drugs destroy families and futures, and we will continue to intensify our operations to ensure that individuals engaged in this illegal activity are held accountable under the full force of the law."
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspects, identified as alias Brad, a 42-year-old married man, and alias Toto, also known as Shakira, a 31-year-old single individual, both residents of Barangay San Isidro, La Paz District, Iloilo City, were classified as high-value individuals deeply involved in the illicit drug trade. During the operation, authorities recovered:
- One sachet of suspected shabu used as the buy-bust item
- Ten additional sachets containing the same substance
- Three knot-tied plastic bags filled with a white crystalline material believed to be shabu
The combined weight of the confiscated drugs totaled about 225 grams, with an estimated street value of P1.53 million. Additionally, law enforcement officers seized the buy-bust money and various drug and non-drug paraphernalia suspected to have been utilized in the suspects' illegal activities.
Collaborative Efforts and Legal Proceedings
The anti-drug operation was spearheaded by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) in Western Visayas, with crucial support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit (PDEG-SOU 6), the Regional Intelligence Division (RID 6), and Iloilo City Police Station 2 under the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO). Following their arrest, the suspects were taken into police custody for proper documentation and the preparation of charges.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This successful operation is part of PRO 6's ongoing and intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, conducted in coordination with the ICPO, aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs throughout the region.
Ongoing Commitment to Community Safety
Police officials reiterated that operations targeting illegal drugs remain a top priority to ensure safer communities and reduce the availability of harmful substances that threaten individuals and families. Ligan affirmed that PRO 6 will continue to enhance coordination among intelligence and operational units to identify and apprehend those involved in illegal drug activities across Western Visayas. The arrested suspects remain under police custody as necessary legal procedures are completed prior to the formal filing of charges in court.
