High-Value Fish Vendor Apprehended in Iloilo Drug Sting, P884,000 Worth of Shabu Confiscated
In a significant anti-drug operation, a 31-year-old fish vendor, tagged as a high-value individual, was arrested during a buy-bust conducted by law enforcement units in Barangay Almeñana, Lemery, Iloilo, on March 23, 2026. The suspect, known by the alias Pantoy, was taken into custody at 6:12 p.m. following a coordinated effort by the Lemery Municipal Police Station and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Items
Operatives seized approximately 130 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of P884,000, from the suspect. The confiscated items included 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the illegal substance, along with buy-bust money, a black motorcycle, and other non-drug items believed to be linked to illicit activities. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was apprehended immediately after the transaction, leading to the recovery of the drugs.
Police Response and Charges Filed
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their successful execution of the operation. He emphasized the police force's unwavering commitment to sustaining anti-illegal drug initiatives across the region. "We commend our personnel for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Let this serve as a strong warning that we will continue to pursue those who threaten the peace and security of our region," Ligan stated. He added that PRO 6 aims to achieve a drug-free Region 6 by relentlessly targeting drug personalities.
The operation involved collaboration among multiple units, including the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Ippo-Provincial Drug Enforcement Team 3. The confiscated substances will undergo laboratory examination to verify their composition, as part of standard procedural protocols.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Efforts
The suspect now faces charges for violations of Section 5 (illegal sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (illegal possession of dangerous drugs) under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This arrest is part of PRO 6's intensified campaign to dismantle illegal drug networks and apprehend high-value individuals involved in the drug trade throughout Western Visayas.
Authorities have urged the public to maintain cooperation with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities in their communities. Such collaboration is deemed crucial for sustaining peace and order in the region, as highlighted by the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes.
