By Jennifer P. Rendon
In a determined crackdown within 12 hours, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) carried out a string of anti-illegal drug operations on Wednesday, Feb. 21, resulting in the seizure of shabu worth approximately P2.236 million.
Despite the persistent drug trade activities in Iloilo City, police efforts have been unrelenting, leading to the capture of five suspects in the process.
The operations commenced with the apprehension of Jeffrey Famindalan, a 53-year-old from Barangay Taytay Zone II, Jaro. He was arrested at 11:50 a.m. in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
After conducting a sale of a sachet of suspected shabu for P5,500, officers from the Iloilo City Police Station 5 found Famindalan in possession of eight additional sachets, with a combined street value estimated at P408,000.
Later, at around 2 p.m., the Iloilo City Police Station 1 led a subsequent operation at Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala 1, City Proper.
Erme Dofeles, 35, a local store owner, and Christo Bono, 45, were taken into custody. The duo was found with 19 sachets of suspected shabu, weighing around 92 grams and valued at P625,600.
In a coordinated effort, the ICPO-City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) and the Iloilo City Police Station 3 succeeded in detaining James Solayao, a 33-year-old waiter from Barangay San Julian, Janiuay, Iloilo.
The arrest occurred around 9:30 p.m. at Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, where Solayao was caught with approximately 115 grams of shabu, estimated to be worth P782,000.
The day’s operations culminated just before midnight when the Iloilo City Police Station 2 apprehended Leo Anthony Choy, a 27-year-old originally from Barangay Esperanza, City Proper, and currently residing in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao.
Choy was found with 62 grams of suspected shabu, totaling P421,600 in street value.
All five suspects are currently detained and are facing charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
