Iloilo Police Nab Three High-Value Drug Suspects in Coordinated Operations
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) have successfully arrested three high-value individuals and seized more than 220 grams of suspected shabu with a total standard drug price of P1,496,000. The separate buy-bust operations were conducted on March 24, 2026, across multiple barangays in Iloilo City, marking a major victory in the ongoing anti-drug campaign.
Detailed Breakdown of the Operations
The first operation took place in Barangay Boulevard, Molo District, where personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 4 apprehended a 50-year-old jobless individual known as alias Wil or Panes at 2:29 p.m. in Zone 2. Classified as a high-value individual, the suspect was caught with 50 grams of suspected shabu valued at P340,000.
Later that day, at 6:19 p.m. in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz District, ICPS 2 operatives arrested two more suspects: aliases Tame, 39, and Badoy, 36. Both individuals are listed under the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council. Authorities confiscated 100 grams of suspected shabu worth P680,000, along with buy-bust items, additional sachets under constructive possession, and marked money.
The final operation occurred at 8:10 p.m. in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao District, where joint forces from the ICPO-City Drug Enforcement Unit arrested alias Dimple, a 41-year-old high-value individual, in Zone 1. Seized from this suspect were 70 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug price of P476,000, buy-bust money, and various non-drug items.
Police Leadership Commends Efforts and Vows Continued Action
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of Police Regional Office 6, praised the operating units for their sustained efforts in the anti-illegal drug campaign. "These successful operations underscore our unwavering commitment to rid our communities of illegal drugs and dismantle networks that continue to threaten public safety," Ligan stated. "The arrest of these high-value individuals and the seizure of more than one million pesos worth of illegal drugs sends a clear message that PRO 6 remains aggressive and uncompromising in its anti-drug campaign."
Ligan emphasized that the agency will maintain momentum through intensified intelligence-driven operations and strong collaboration with local communities. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or illegal activities to authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
All arrested individuals are currently under police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Authorities have assured that follow-up operations are underway to identify other individuals connected to the illegal drug trade, with case build-up efforts ongoing to ensure successful prosecution.
Police officials confirmed that all seized items will undergo thorough documentation and laboratory examination to support the filing of formal charges. This meticulous process is crucial for building strong legal cases against the suspects and upholding justice in the fight against drug-related crimes.
