Major Drug Bust in Iloilo City
In a significant blow to the local drug trade, police operatives successfully arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized approximately 60 grams of a substance believed to be shabu during a targeted buy-bust operation in Iloilo City.
The operation unfolded in Barangay Laguda, La Paz District, at approximately 10:23 p.m. on November 10, 2025.
Suspect and Seized Evidence
The apprehended individual, a 36-year-old married man residing in La Paz District, was identified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the regional drug landscape. He is known by the aliases Toto and Bert.
The arrest was a coordinated effort led by the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), with support from Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 2 and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) in Western Visayas.
Authorities recovered substantial evidence from the suspect, including:
- Seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the suspected shabu.
- The marked buy-bust money used in the operation.
- A Suzuki Burgman motorcycle along with its ignition key.
- Several other non-drug related items.
Police Leadership Commends Operatives
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating teams for their successful mission.
He stated that this accomplishment highlights their unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and to protect communities from the associated harms. Ligan urged all personnel to remain disciplined and proactive in their shared mission for a safer, drug-free Western Visayas, aligning with the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas mantra.
The suspect is currently detained at ICPS 2 and will be prosecuted for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
These are grave offenses that carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment to death and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.
