Iloilo City drug sting nets P2.6 million shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police confiscated more than P2.6 million worth of shabu from two individuals in a drug sting operation in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Alias Mico, 33, from Zone 3, Barangay Calumpang, Molo, and alias Ryan, 36, from Barangay San Pedro Molo, were apprehended during a buy-bust operation on the circumferential road at Barangay San Jose, Arevalo, around 11:50 p.m. on April 23.

The operation, conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 in collaboration with Iloilo City Police Station 6, resulted in the duo’s arrest after they sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P14,500.

The pair were found in possession of approximately 250 grams of suspected shabu, P1,250 in cash, a sling bag, two mobile phones, a digital scale, and various non-drug related items, collectively worth an estimated P1,632,000.

A subsequent search at Mico’s residence around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday led to the voluntary surrender of an additional 30 sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 150 grams, with an estimated street value of P1,020,000, bringing the total value of seized narcotics to 390 grams valued at P2,652,000.

Mico, previously arrested in 2017 for drug offenses, was released after engaging in a plea bargain agreement. Conversely, Ryan was noted as an Oplan Tokhang surrenderer.

Both suspects are currently in custody, awaiting charges for violating the Republic Act 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.