Authorities seized more than two kilos of suspected “shabu” valued at nearly P14 million and arrested three suspects during a major buy-bust operation in Oton, Iloilo, early Sunday morning, June 21.
The suspects were identified by police only through their aliases: “Boss,” 26; “Jude,” 32; and “Choco,” 28. They are originally from Molo in Iloilo City, and are classified as high-value individuals (HVIs).
The operation, spearheaded by the Police Regional Office (PRO6) and supporting intelligence units, took place at around 1:02 a.m. at Block 20, Lot 3, Florvel Subdivision, Barangay Buray.
The confiscated shabu carried a standard drug price of P13,974,000.
Police Colonel Arnel Solis, Oton Municipal Police Station chief and Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) spokesperson, said the suspects have deep involvement with the illegal drug trade.
“Jude has previous cases and was recently released from prison. Choco and Boss are siblings, and members of their family have also been previously arrested for violating RA 9165 and are currently incarcerated,” he disclosed.
The trio, according to Solis, allegedly acted as a major distribution arm for a larger syndicate.
“They have a supplier who simply gives them directives on where to pick up the stash, and they are tasked with distributing this supply,” he said.
“If you look at their addresses, they are from Iloilo City, specifically Molo. To evade the watchful eyes of the police in the city, they transferred here to Oton,” Solis added.
The arrests were the culmination of more than a month of intensive intelligence monitoring, case build-up, and validation, heavily aided by tips from concerned citizens.
The three suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.IMT
