By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) seized PHP21 million worth of shabu during its latest Birada Semana anti-drug operations.
According to Police Regional Office 6 records, this accounted for about two-thirds of all illegal drugs confiscated in Western Visayas from March 10 to 16.
While the seizure of more than 3 kilograms of shabu in a week is higher than in previous months, IPPO officials said it is no cause for alarm.
“For me, it is not alarming. Magagaling lang talaga mga pulis natin sa IPPO dahil nahuhuli na ang mga pushers bago pa makapag-distribute sa area natin (Our police officers in IPPO are simply good at catching pushers before they can distribute drugs in our area),” Iloilo police chief Col. Bayani Razalan said.
During the period, IPPO conducted 19 operations, leading to the arrest of 25 drug suspects.
These included 10 high-value individuals, 14 street-level pushers, and one newly identified drug suspect.
Fifth District Drug Bust
A significant factor in the high-volume drug haul was a pair of operations in the province’s fifth district.
On March 10, authorities arrested a suspect known as alias Jerson, 40, of Barangay Dulonan, Pilar, Capiz, in Barangay Kinalkalan, Balasan.
He was caught with about 890 grams of shabu worth PHP6.05 million.
The following day, March 11, at around 4:45 a.m., police arrested alias Brother, 35, of Barangay Zone 2, Poblacion, Estancia, Iloilo, along with his live-in partner, 27-year-old Rogielyn.
The couple was caught with 1.12 kilograms of shabu valued at PHP7.62 million in Barangay Bulaqueña, Estancia.
Drug Trade in Iloilo
Razalan said no specific group appears to be controlling the illegal drug trade in Iloilo province.
However, he noted that several previously arrested drug pushers have returned to their old ways.
He commended IPPO personnel for their dedication to the anti-drug campaign.
“Our intensified operations demonstrate our commitment to fighting illegal drugs and ensuring the well-being of every Ilonggo,” he said.
Razalan vowed to further intensify operations and strengthen intelligence efforts to hold drug traders accountable.
He also reaffirmed the IPPO’s commitment to creating a safer environment and eradicating illegal drugs in the province.
