Major Drug Bust in Iloilo: P1.02 Million Worth of Shabu Seized, Three High-Value Suspects Apprehended
In a significant blow to illegal drug operations, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) successfully conducted a buy-bust operation on February 17, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three high-value individuals and the confiscation of approximately 150 grams of shabu valued at P1,020,000. The operation took place at 3:45 p.m. in Barangay Lopez Jaena, Jaro District, Iloilo City, marking a critical achievement in the region's intensified anti-drug campaign.
Suspects Identified as High-Value Targets in Western Visayas
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), identified the arrested suspects as alias Nonoy, 29, from Barangay Poblacion, Badiangan; his cousin alias Tonggay, 26, a native of Barangay Sta. Rita, Janiuay; and alias Dave, 37, a resident of Barangay Lopez Jaena, Jaro District. All three were officially tagged as high-value individuals (HVIs) in the drug trade, underscoring the operation's strategic importance in dismantling key networks.
General Ligan praised the efforts of the operating units, stating, "I commend our operating units for this successful operation, which underscores our intensified campaign against illegal drugs. This achievement reflects our firm commitment to safeguarding our communities. We will continue to strengthen our efforts to ensure that offenders are held accountable and our streets remain safe." His remarks highlight the ongoing dedication of law enforcement to combat drug-related crimes and protect public safety.
Coordinated Police Effort Leads to Successful Operation
The operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple specialized units. Operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office, through the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), worked in conjunction with the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU 6) in Western Visayas, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team of the ICPO, and the Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 9-Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET). This coordinated approach ensured a seamless execution, leading to the swift apprehension of the suspects without incident.
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the officer-in-charge of the ICPO, also commended the operating teams and emphasized the role of community support in the fight against illegal drugs. He affirmed, "Padayon kita sa pagpanikasog batok sa ilegal nga droga. I am confident that with the dedication and teamwork of our operatives, we will continue moving closer to achieving a drug-free community. The ICPO will remain relentless, aggressive, and intelligence-driven in our campaign." His statement reinforces the police's unwavering resolve to eradicate drug activities through persistent and intelligence-based strategies.
Evidence Seized and Legal Proceedings Initiated
During the operation, law enforcement recovered substantial evidence, including seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and two knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing shabu. Additionally, the buy-bust item and buy-bust money were confiscated, along with several non-drug-related items. The seized drugs, with an estimated street value of P1.02 million, represent a significant disruption to local drug supply chains.
The arrested individuals are currently under police custody at ICPS 9 and will face formal charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This legal action underscores the seriousness of the offenses and the commitment to prosecuting those involved in illegal drug activities to the fullest extent of the law.
This operation not only highlights the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts but also serves as a stern warning to drug syndicates operating in the region. The ICPO's continued vigilance and community engagement are pivotal in maintaining public safety and advancing towards a drug-free environment in Iloilo City and beyond.
