Major Drug Bust in Capiz Nets P748,000 Worth of Shabu and Two Suspects
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Western Visayas, operatives from the Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) conducted a successful buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of approximately 110 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P748,000. The operation took place in Barangay Banica, Roxas City, Capiz, at precisely 5:44 p.m. on March 5, 2026.
Suspects Identified as High-Value and Street-Value Individuals
Police authorities have identified the arrested suspects as Michael, a 37-year-old businessman from President Roxas, Capiz, and Ron, a 41-year-old resident of Balete, Aklan. Michael has been classified as a high-value individual (HVI) and is reportedly a drug surrenderee, while Ron is categorized as a street-value individual (SVI), indicating their respective levels of involvement in the illicit drug trade.
Coordinated Police Effort Leads to Seizure
The operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement units, including the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the CPPO, the President Roxas Municipal Police Station, the Roxas City Police Station, and the Capiz Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU). During the raid, team members recovered four transparent plastic sachets and one knot-tied transparent plastic bag containing the suspected shabu. In addition to the drugs, operatives confiscated buy-bust money and several non-drug items as part of the evidence collection process.
Charges Filed Under Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act
The suspects are currently in police custody and are facing serious charges for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Specific charges include Section 5 for the sale of dangerous drugs, Section 11 for possession of illegal substances, and Section 26 for conspiracy to commit drug-related offenses. These charges underscore the gravity of the alleged crimes and the legal consequences the suspects may face if convicted.
Police Vow Continued Anti-Drug Campaign
CPPO officials have emphasized that this operation is part of an ongoing, intelligence-driven campaign to combat illegal drug activities in Capiz and neighboring provinces. The confiscated substances will be sent to the Philippine National Police forensic laboratory for thorough examination to confirm their composition and weight, which will be crucial for the prosecution of the case.
Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their successful efforts. In a statement, he reaffirmed the police force's commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs in the region. "This successful operation reflects our continued commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in Western Visayas. We commend our operatives for their dedication and assure the public that PRO 6 will sustain aggressive operations to keep our communities safe," Ligan said.
The arrest and seizure highlight the proactive measures being taken by law enforcement agencies to address drug-related issues, with a focus on high-value targets and coordinated operations to ensure community safety and uphold the rule of law.
