By Jennifer P. Rendon
Nearly PHP 1 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in two separate anti-narcotics operations in Iloilo City on Oct. 28.
The two operations led to the arrests of Maximino Flora Jr., 44, a tricycle driver, and Christian Verde, 35, a porter, both residents of Zone 4, Barangay North Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City, as well as Abelardo Tugado, 28, of Barangay Bagumbayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo.
Flora and Verde were apprehended around 4:34 p.m. on Monday in Zone 4, Barangay North Baluarte.
Members of the Iloilo City Police Station arrested the duo after they allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 7,000.
Upon frisking, police recovered two knot-tied bags and four plastic sachets of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items, from the suspects.
Captain Ryan Christ Inot, chief of ICPS 4, said the seized drugs weighed approximately 75 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 510,000.
More than five hours later, members of ICPS 10 arrested Tugado in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district.
Tugado was taken into custody after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 5,000.
He was found in possession of an additional 15 sachets of suspected shabu.
The seized drugs weighed about 60 grams, valued at PHP 408,000.
The three suspects are now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
