High-value drug suspect arrested in Iloilo

A HIGH-VALUE drug suspect was arrested and an estimated P3.57 million worth of suspected shabu was seized during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lanag, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo around 10:10 p.m. on May 31, 2025.

Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the teams involved in the operation.

“This accomplishment reflects our aggressive and relentless campaign against illegal drugs. It is our goal to shield communities from the dangers that these substances bring,” Wanky said.

Wanky assured Rest that they will strengthen partnerships with communities and law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals engaging in illegal drug activities.

The operation was conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) in Western Visayas, in coordination with the Sta. Barbara Municipal Police Station (MPS), Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit (PDEG-SOU) 6.

The suspect, identified only by the alias Bhing, 45, a resident of Barangay Daga, Sta. Barbara, was caught in possession of eight knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu.

The seized illegal drugs weighed a total of 525 grams with a street value estimated at P3,570,000.

Bhing is now under police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)