By Jennifer P. Rendon
Three teenagers were apprehended during an anti-narcotics operation early November 5 in Jaro, Iloilo City.
Police identified the suspects as Varie, 19, of Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro; alias Bong, 16, of Barangay Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo City; and alias Mia, 14, of Barangay Tanza Baybay, City Proper, Iloilo City.
Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 9 conducted the operation, arresting the trio near a subdivision entrance in Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, around 5:10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Major Eduardo Siacon, chief of ICPS 9, stated that Varie was the primary target, while the two younger minors served as lookouts.
The suspects were caught after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 30,000.
During a search, police recovered seven sachets and a knot-tied plastic pack containing suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.
The confiscated shabu weighed approximately 130 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 884,000.
Authorities also seized a motorcycle used by the suspects, which was later confirmed to be stolen. Documents indicated it belonged to a resident of Jaro district.
Siacon said Varie had been under surveillance following multiple reports of his involvement in the illegal drug trade.
He has reportedly been involved in a robbery incident and has a history of delinquent behavior.
All three suspects are out-of-school youth.
While Varie is currently detained, the two minors will be turned over to the appropriate authorities for further disposition of their case.
