By Jennifer P. Rendon
A suspected drug peddler was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on Feb. 10 in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The suspect, identified only as alias Lorence, 41, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation conducted by members of Iloilo City Police Station 10 (ICPS10).
Authorities said Lorence sold suspected shabu worth PHP15,000 to an undercover operative.
Police recovered seven additional sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 60 grams, with a standard drug price of PHP408,000, as well as several non-drug items.
According to Captain Val Cambel, ICPS10 chief, the suspect has a history of drug-related arrests and is listed as an illegal drug personality by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
Lorence was placed under three weeks of surveillance before his arrest.
Investigators revealed that Lorence allegedly sourced his supply from another drug peddler operating in the Molo district.
The majority of his clients were construction workers employed at a nearby development center in Mandurriao.
The suspect is currently detained and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).