Major Drug Bust in Iloilo: Police Nab High-Value Suspect with P2.4 Million Shabu
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in the region, police authorities in Iloilo have successfully conducted a targeted operation resulting in the arrest of a high-value individual and the seizure of a substantial quantity of shabu. The operation, which took place in Barangay San Antonio, Ajuy, Iloilo, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking across the province.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
On the evening of February 27, 2026, at precisely 7:15 p.m., operatives from the Ajuy Municipal Police Station executed a meticulously planned buy-bust operation. The target was a 38-year-old farmer known by the alias "Mon," who had been identified as a high-value drug personality. Following a month of intensive surveillance prompted by citizen reports, police moved in to apprehend the suspect.
During the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated approximately 362 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P2,461,600. This seizure represents a major disruption to the local drug trade, as authorities confirmed that the suspect was sourcing the illegal substances from Iloilo City for distribution in Ajuy and surrounding municipalities.
Police Response and Legal Proceedings
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, the provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, commended the Ajuy Municipal Police Station for their successful operation. In a statement, Razalan expressed gratitude for the strong support and trust of the community in Ajuy, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs.
The suspect is currently detained at the Ajuy Municipal Police Station and is facing serious charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This legislation imposes severe penalties for drug-related offenses, reflecting the government's stringent stance on narcotics enforcement.
Continued Anti-Drug Campaign
Police Captain Aileen Lacrite, the officer-in-charge of the Ajuy Municipal Police Station, led the team responsible for the arrest. The operation is part of a broader, sustained campaign against illegal drugs throughout Iloilo province. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and related criminal activities.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office has announced that it will persist in its vigilant operations, leveraging intelligence gathering and community engagement to identify and apprehend other high-value targets. This recent bust serves as a clear message that law enforcement remains dedicated to safeguarding communities from the perils of illegal substances.
