Iloilo Police Arrest High-Value Drug Suspect in Late-Night Buy-Bust Operation
In a significant anti-drug operation, operatives from Iloilo City Police Station 2, under the Iloilo City Police Office, successfully arrested a high-value individual during a buy-bust conducted at Zone 2 Relocation Site, Barangay Ingore, La Paz District, Iloilo City. The operation took place at approximately 11:15 p.m. on March 31, 2026, leading to the seizure of 13 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 60 grams and a street value of P408,000.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspect, identified by the alias Turagsoy, is a 47-year-old single resident of Barangay Ingore, La Paz District, Iloilo City. He was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover police operative during the meticulously planned operation. In addition to the suspected shabu, authorities recovered buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalia from the scene. The estimated standard drug price of the confiscated substances is P408,000, highlighting the substantial impact of this seizure on local drug trafficking activities.
Police Response and Commendation
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas, praised the team for their successful execution of the operation. In a statement, Ligan emphasized, "The arrest of this high-value individual reflects our strong commitment to uphold the law and protect our communities. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report illegal drug activities, as collective action is key to building safer, drug-free neighborhoods." This commendation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related crimes in the region.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigations
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Iloilo City Police Office and will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated drugs have been submitted to the crime laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examination to support the legal case against the suspect. Further investigation is ongoing to determine possible links between the suspect and other drug personalities and networks operating in Iloilo City, as part of broader intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing illegal drug activities and ensuring public safety across Western Visayas.
