Duo arrested in P1.8-million Iloilo drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two individuals were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the evening of September 6 in Jaro, Iloilo City.

The suspects were identified as Jomarie Bachoco, 41, of Barangay Jalandoni, Jaro, and Ace Conrad Abaldo, 41, of Barangay San Isidro, Jaro.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU-6) apprehended the duo after they allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for ₱12,500 at Lopez Jaena Street, Barangay San Isidro, Jaro.

Police operatives seized 14 additional sachets of suspected shabu, ₱620 in cash, two mobile phones, a Honda motorcycle, and other non-drug items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the seized drugs weighed approximately 265 grams, with a street value of ₱1,802,000.

The suspects were arrested following a month-long surveillance operation. Bachoco and Abaldo reportedly operated across both Iloilo City and Iloilo province.

They also revealed information about their drug supplier, although this has yet to be verified, according to Soliman.

The suspects are currently detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).