Over P12M illegal drugs seized in Iloilo City in 1 month

THE Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo) seized more than P12.3 million worth of substance believed to be shabu and over P8,100 worth of marijuana in a monthlong anti-drug campaign conducted from May 1 to 31, 2025, in Iloilo City.

A total of 54 drug suspects were arrested, including 19 high-value individuals (HVIs), in 44 police operations.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas praised the Icpo, saying, “In our fight against illegal drugs, there is no room for complacency because once you’re in, there’s no rewind or retake.”

The series of anti-drug operations were conducted by the Icpo in collaboration with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas (RPDEU), the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), and Iloilo City’s local police stations.

The combined efforts resulted in the confiscation of a total of 1,817.6033 grams of shabu valued at approximately P12,359,702.44, and 68.2131 grams of marijuana worth P8,185.57.

Among the 54 arrested suspects, 19 were classified as HVIs, 34 as street-level individuals (SLIs), and one was a minor.

These operations were spread out across various districts of Iloilo City and carried out with the involvement of police units under the Icpo, including the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), Iloilo City Police Stations (ICPS), and the support of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Western Visayas and the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas.

Treñas emphasized the city’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal drugs and expressed confidence that the next city administration will continue and even improve the city’s support to the Icpo, especially in resources and inter-agency coordination.

“I have always been clear that never again will drugs be allowed to proliferate in Iloilo City. This is a fight we must win, and we are winning it. But much more can and must be done,” the mayor said.

He also called for unity among government offices, the police, and the community to ensure the safety of neighborhoods and the future of Iloilo City’s youth.

“This accomplishment shows our unwavering commitment and how serious we are in eradicating the illegal drug menace,” said Police Colonel Kim Legada, director of the Icpo.

The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas is intensifying its campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in the region, demonstrating the Icpo’s ability to plan and execute targeted anti-drug activities with efficiency and precision. (Leo Solinap)