Major Drug Bust in Iloilo Seizes P14 Million Worth of Shabu, Four Suspects Apprehended
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Western Visayas, operatives from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 3 successfully conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Maya, Balasan, Iloilo, resulting in the arrest of four drug suspects and the confiscation of approximately 2.06 kilograms of shabu valued at P14,008,000. The operation took place at 1:35 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, marking a culmination of nearly four months of intensive intelligence monitoring by the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6).
Police Commend Operation as a Critical Strike Against Drug Networks
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of PRO 6, praised the operating units for their diligent efforts. "This accomplishment underscores our firm and sustained campaign against illegal drugs, especially targeting high-value personalities who attempt to operate in our provinces," Ligan stated. "The confiscation of more than two kilos of shabu is a significant blow to the local drug network and prevents these illegal substances from destroying more lives." The operation highlights the police's commitment to curbing drug-related crimes through strategic, intelligence-driven initiatives.
Details of the Arrested Suspects and Seized Evidence
The arrested individuals include:
- Alias Bimboy, 46, a resident of Barangay Gogo, Estancia, Iloilo, classified as a high-value individual (HVI) on the Regional Target Priority List.
- Alias Domingo, 63, a resident of Barangay Maya, Balasan, Iloilo, identified as a street-value individual (SVI).
- Alias Jose, 22, a resident of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Balasan, Iloilo, also an SVI.
- Alias Concepcion, 21, a resident of Barangay Ipil, Balasan, Iloilo, another SVI.
During the operation, authorities recovered:
- 17 heat-sealed plastic sachets and four knot-tied transparent plastic packs containing shabu, with a total weight of around 2,060 grams.
- Buy-bust money used in the sting operation.
- One caliber .38 revolver loaded with a single live ammunition.
- Various non-drug items as part of the evidence.
Collaborative Efforts and Legal Charges Filed
The successful operation was led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 3, with crucial support from the Balasan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo). Authorities emphasized that the bust resulted from nearly four months of meticulous surveillance, validation, and timely information provided by concerned community members, showcasing the importance of public cooperation in law enforcement.
Charges will be filed against the suspects for violations of:
- Sections 5 (Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs), 11 (Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and 26 (Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Drug Offenses) of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
- Additionally, alias Bimboy faces a separate charge under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with the seized firearm.
Ongoing Efforts to Enhance Community Safety
The PRO 6 has affirmed its dedication to continuing intensified and intelligence-driven operations across the region to combat illegal drugs and strengthen community safety. This operation serves as a reminder of the persistent threats posed by drug networks and the proactive measures being taken by law enforcement to address them. As investigations proceed, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of a drug-free Western Visayas.
