Major Drug Bust in Iloilo City Nets P2 Million in Shabu
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Western Visayas, police operatives have arrested a high-value individual and seized a substantial quantity of shabu valued at over two million pesos during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation in Iloilo City.
Operation Details and Arrest
The Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, in close coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 6 and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit (PDEG-SOU) 6, conducted the operation at 6:20 p.m. on March 15, 2026, in Barangay Lopez Jaena Sur, La Paz District, Iloilo City.
Authorities apprehended a 29-year-old unemployed man, identified only by the alias "Yob," who resides in Barangay Banuyao within the same district. The suspect is classified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the regional drug trade.
Substantial Drug Seizure
During the operation, police recovered approximately 295 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P2,006,000. The confiscated items included:
- 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the illegal substance
- Buy-bust money and proceeds from the operation
- Several empty plastic sachets commonly used in drug packaging
Intelligence-Driven Operation
The successful bust followed an extensive month-long intelligence monitoring period. Police initiated the operation after receiving multiple reports from concerned community members about the suspect's alleged drug distribution activities not only in Iloilo City but also in several nearby towns.
This community-police collaboration proved instrumental in gathering the necessary evidence and intelligence to plan and execute the operation effectively.
Legal Proceedings and Official Statements
The suspect remains in police custody and faces serious charges for violating Section 5 and Section 11 of Republic Act 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Investigators are currently completing the necessary documentation to file formal charges in court.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, praised the operating units for their successful mission. "The successful seizure of illegal drugs in this operation reflects the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement units in protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs," Ligan stated.
He further emphasized, "We assure the public that PRO 6 will continue to intensify its anti-illegal drug operations in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies."
Broader Anti-Drug Campaign
This arrest represents a significant achievement in PRO 6's intensified campaign against illegal drugs, which aims to dismantle established drug networks and prevent the further proliferation of dangerous substances throughout Western Visayas.
General Ligan highlighted the critical importance of community vigilance and ongoing cooperation with authorities, stating that such partnerships are essential for maintaining peace and order and creating drug-free communities across the region.
