Major Drug Bust in Santa Barbara Nets 115 Grams of Shabu
Police authorities in Iloilo province scored a significant victory in their anti-drug campaign with the arrest of two suspected drug personalities and the confiscation of approximately 115 grams of suspected shabu during a carefully planned buy-bust operation. The operation took place in Barangay Miraga-Guibuangan, Santa Barbara, Iloilo, on November 21, 2025, at around 1:55 in the afternoon.
Suspects Identified as Live-in Partners
The apprehended individuals include a 53-year-old butcher known only as alias Ron, who authorities have classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the local drug trade. His companion, identified as alias Jesy, aged 49, works as a balut vendor and is considered a street-level individual (SLI). Investigation revealed that the two are live-in partners and both reside in Santa Barbara municipality.
The successful operation was conducted through the coordinated efforts of the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Ippo Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit – Special Operations Group Team 1. During the raid, law enforcement officers recovered thirteen transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be the dangerous drug shabu, along with the marked money used in the buy-bust operation.
Additional Arrest in Antique Province
In a related development, police forces in neighboring Antique province made another significant arrest on November 24, 2025. At approximately 8:28 in the morning, authorities captured a 32-year-old Job Order employee of the Province of Antique, identified as alias Pido, during a separate buy-bust operation in Barangay 5, San Jose, Antique.
The suspect, who hails from Sibalom, Antique, was found in possession of an estimated 60 grams of substance believed to be shabu. He is currently under police custody and will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act (RA) 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Strengthened Coordination Yields Results
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), emphasized that these successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of enhanced coordination among various drug enforcement units in the region. The consecutive operations in Iloilo and Antique provinces reflect the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal drug trade across Western Visayas.
The arrested high-value individual from the Santa Barbara operation joins the growing list of significant drug personalities neutralized by police authorities in recent months. All suspects are now facing appropriate charges under the country's comprehensive anti-drug legislation as the police continue their intensified campaign against illegal substances in the region.
