A traffic enforcer tagged as a high-value individual (HVI) was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Jaro district, Iloilo City, Monday morning, March 16.
The suspect, identified as Romel “Saad” Hermano, 39, a resident of Barangay Camalig, was apprehended at his residence around 11:10 a.m.
Operatives confiscated approximately 60 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of P408,000.
Also recovered from Saad were five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and one knot-tied plastic bag containing the suspected illegal drugs, along with the buy-bust money and several non-drug items.
The suspect is currently detained at the Iloilo City Police Station 3 (ICPS3). He will face criminal charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Following the “successful operation,” Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Officer-in-Charge Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla issued a stern warning to those involved in the local drug trade.
“This serves as a fair warning to individuals who continue to engage in illegal drug activities. You better stop while you still have time because we are after you. If not today, tomorrow you will end up behind bars,” he said.
“The ICPO will relentlessly pursue those who continue to destroy the lives of our people through illegal drugs,” Parilla stressed.
The operation was conducted by the Iloilo City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), with tactical support from the Iloilo Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA), the ICPO SWAT Team, the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) Lanit Team, and the ICPS3 Station Drug Enforcement Team.IMT
