By Jennifer P. Rendon
A jobless man turned to drug peddling as his means of livelihood, but his illegal trade ended with his arrest in Barangay San Antonio, Oton, Iloilo, on the afternoon of Jan. 8.
The 39-year-old suspect, known by the alias “Fox,” was apprehended during a buy-bust operation conducted at his residence by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 1, in coordination with the Oton Municipal Police Station and the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Police said Fox sold a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover operative for PHP 6,000.
During a frisk, authorities recovered a knot-tied plastic pack, three more sachets of suspected shabu, and several non-drug items.
Major Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 96 grams, with a standard drug price of PHP 652,800.
Reports indicated that Fox had no prior drug-related arrests.
Police began monitoring the suspect in November 2024 after receiving an anonymous tip through the PDEU hotline.
Sources revealed that Fox was allegedly involved in drug peddling activities in Oton and nearby areas. He reportedly sourced his supply from another drug peddler based in Iloilo City.
Fox is currently detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
