Police seized more than P3.3 million worth of suspected “shabu” (methamphetamine) and arrested three suspects, including a high-value target who was released from jail just last year, during a buy-bust operation in Balasan, Iloilo on Monday, June 1.
A 14-year-old girl, identified as the granddaughter of the primary target, was also rescued during the operation Barangay Balanti-an and turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.
The primary target was identified as 46-year-old alias “Dodoy” of Estancia, Iloilo, who authorities classified as a high-value individual (HVI).
Also arrested were Dodoy’s live-in partner, alias “Juv,” 25, of Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and alias “Berna,” 18, of Carles, Iloilo. The two are classified as street-level drug suspects .
Operatives confiscated approximately 493 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P3,352,400.
Police also recovered a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a magazine loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, and the buy-bust money.
The operation was the culmination of more than a month of surveillance and case build-up. It was carried out by joint forces from the Balasan Municipal Police Station, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, Carles Special Boat Crew, and the Maritime Group’s Special Operations Unit 4.
Investigators revealed that Dodoy is a repeat offender who was previously arrested on drug charges in March 2015. He served his sentence and was released from prison in 2025.
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, Acting Regional Director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), commended the operating units for the successful bust, noting that the seizure prevented a massive quantity of dangerous substances from hitting regional communities.
“This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in Western Visayas,” he said in a statement.IMT
