Major Drug Bust in Antique Nets P2.3 Million Worth of Suspected Shabu
In a significant blow to regional drug trafficking, law enforcement authorities in Antique province successfully apprehended a high-value individual (HVI) and confiscated a substantial quantity of suspected shabu valued at approximately P2,312,000. The meticulously planned operation unfolded in Barangay Funda-Dalipe, San Jose, Antique, during the late afternoon of February 11, 2026, marking a critical victory in the ongoing campaign against prohibited substances.
Coordinated Operation Leads to Arrest and Seizure
The suspect, identified by police under the alias Mokie, is a 38-year-old unemployed resident of San Jose, Antique. The arrest occurred at precisely 5:16 p.m. following a well-executed buy-bust operation. Operatives from the San Jose Municipal Police Station spearheaded the mission, working in close coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Antique Police Provincial Office (Antppo) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Antique Provincial Office.
During the operation, authorities seized eight transparent plastic sachets containing an estimated 340 grams of the suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu. In addition to the illicit drugs, law enforcement recovered the buy-bust money, a Toyota Vios sedan, and various other non-drug related pieces of evidence crucial to building a solid legal case.
Legal Proceedings and Police Commendation
The apprehended suspect is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station, where proper documentation and procedural protocols are being followed. He will face serious charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated suspected shabu will be submitted to the crime laboratory for thorough forensic examination to confirm its composition and purity.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), publicly commended the operating units for their professionalism and success. "This successful seizure is another strong step in our intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Every confiscation prevents harm to families and protects our communities from the dangers of substance abuse. We urge the public to continue supporting our efforts through vigilance and cooperation," Ligan stated, emphasizing the community-oriented approach of the anti-drug initiative.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Toyota Vios sedan recovered during the operation will undergo meticulous documentation as it forms a key part of the evidence for the impending legal proceedings. Authorities are currently completing the necessary case build-up to ensure a robust filing of charges before the appropriate prosecutor's office. This operation is a direct component of PRO 6's intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, specifically targeting high-value individuals operating within the Western Visayas region.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their call for sustained public cooperation, urging community members to report any suspicious or illegal drug activities in their localities. This collaborative effort is deemed essential to further strengthen the government's comprehensive campaign against the proliferation of dangerous and prohibited drugs. The suspect remains in detention as the judicial process moves forward, awaiting the formal filing of charges in court.
