A 24-hour sweep by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of suspected “shabu” valued at more than P800 thousand.

From 6:00 a.m. on June 17 to 6:00 a.m. on June 18, ICPO units conducted seven separate anti-illegal drug operations across the city.

The coordinated efforts yielded approximately 119 grams of suspected shabu, with a total standard drug price (SDP) of P809,200.

The suspects apprehended include two high-value individuals (HVIs) and six street-level individuals (SLIs).

The most significant seizure occurred during a buy-bust operation in Zone 3, Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo district.

At approximately 9:40 p.m., joint forces apprehended the two HVIs, identified only by their aliases “RJ,” 40, and “Kana,” 37.  Both suspects are temporarily residing in Arevalo.

This major buy-bust operation was executed by the ICPO’s City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) in coordination with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and the Police Station 6 – Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET).

Operatives confiscated roughly 70 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated SDP of P476,000, along with buy-bust money and other evidence.

All the arrested individuals are currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, Police Regional Office (PRO6) acting regional director, commended the ICPO for the successful operations, highlighting their intelligence-driven approach.

“The arrest of eight drug personalities and the seizure of more than P800,000 worth of suspected shabu in just 24 hours reflect the strong operational focus and commitment of the Iloilo City Police Office in protecting communities from the threat of illegal drugs,” he said.

“Let this serve as a clear warning: there is no safe haven for drug offenders in Western Visayas. We will continue to pursue them, dismantle their networks, and prevent illegal drugs from reaching our communities,”Tuaño added.

The region’s top cop also urged the public to remain vigilant and to actively support law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.IMT