A high-value individual (HVI) was arrested and more than P714,000 worth of suspected “shabu” was seized by regional police forces during an intensified buy-bust operation in Lapuz district, Iloilo City on Wednesday afternoon, July 15.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “ET,” is a 44-year-old resident of Lapuz, Iloilo City. He yielded roughly 105 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride)
The joint sting operation, led by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), was conducted at approximately 3:40 p.m. in Zone 6, Barangay Alalasan.
The CDEU worked in close coordination with several other units, including the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Iloilo City Police Station 8.
According to police investigations, the suspect has a long history with the local anti-drug campaign. Based on records, he originally surrendered to authorities in 2016 under the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) program.
While he successfully completed the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBRP) in 2017, intelligence reports indicate he eventually returned to the illegal drug trade, operating extensively within Lapuz and surrounding districts.
Aside from the 105 grams of suspected shabu packaged in 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets, police also recovered the buy-bust money and other drug-related paraphernalia from the scene.
The suspect is currently held in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.IMT
