Authorities in Western Visayas confiscated approximately 214 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” and arrested eight drug suspects during a series of coordinated operations over a 24-hour period.
The anti-illegal drug sweep, conducted by the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) from 6:00 a.m.on May 27 to 5:59 a.m. on May 28, yielded a total standard drug price (SDP) of P1,455,200.00.
Among the operations, the largest drug hauls were recorded in Iloilo City, Pavia in Iloilo province, and San Jose in Antique, resulting in the arrest of several high-value targets.
In Iloilo City, operatives of the Iloilo City Police Station 2 conducted a buy-bust operation in Zone 3, Barangay Lopez Jaena Norte, La Paz.
The sting resulted in the arrest of 49-year-old alias “Jingle,” classified as a high-value individual (HVI), and 31-year-old alias “Kim,” identified as a street-level individual (SLI).
Officers seized about 60 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P408,000.00.
In Pavia, local police arrested 39-year-old alias “Ry,” another HVI residing in Barangay Ungka 1.
Operatives recovered approximately 65 grams of suspected shabu valued at P442,000.00 during the operation.
Another major arrest took place in San Jose, Antique, where municipal police operatives apprehended alias “Toto,” 47, a resident of Barangay Inabasan.
The suspect, who is also listed as an HVI, was caught during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 1, San Jose.
Authorities recovered 65 grams of suspected shabu worth P442,000.00 from his possession.
The eight suspects are currently in police custody and will face formal charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of PRO-6, commended the operating units for their successive victories and reiterated the regional office’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region.
“These significant drug recoveries are the result of the relentless efforts of our personnel to address the drug menace in the region,” he said.
“Rest assured that PRO-6 will continue to conduct intensified anti-drug operations to help make Western Visayas a drug-free region,” the region’s top cop added.
Tuaño also emphasized the crucial role of the community in sustaining these efforts, appealing to local residents to cooperate closely with law enforcement.
“We appeal to the public to continue supporting our efforts to keep the region safe and secure. The police force cannot do it alone,” he added.IMT
