Authorities confiscated an estimated P1.5 million worth of suspected shabu during a major anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo, on Thursday evening, May 14.
The buy-bust operation, which took place at approximately 10:40 p.m. in Mata Village, was spearheaded by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 3.
The team was actively supported by operatives from the Estancia Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU).
During the sting, operatives arrested a newly identified high-value individual (HVI) known as alias “Maymay,” 25, a jobless resident of Brgy. Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia.
A second suspect, identified as , alias “Jokie,” approximately 34 years old and a resident of Brgy. Poblacion, Ajuy, managed to evade arrest and remains at-large. He is also classified as a newly identified HVI by the local police.
According to the official report, operatives recovered a total of approximately 230 grams of suspected shabu from the suspects.
The specific items retrieved from the crime scene include one sachet containing one gram of suspected shabu (the buy-bust item), four large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, one regular-sized transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu, P6,600 in buy-bust money used during the transaction, and various other non-drug items
Maymay is presently under the custody of the Estancia MPS for proper disposition, documentation, and the filing of formal complaints.
The suspect will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, the local police have launched a follow-up manhunt operation to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspect.IMT
