Major Drug Bust in Iloilo Nets P952,000 Worth of Shabu and Two Suspects
In a significant anti-drug operation, personnel from the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station, operating under the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, successfully conducted a buy-bust that led to the arrest of two individuals and the confiscation of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P952,000.
Details of the Operation and Arrests
The operation took place at precisely 8:25 p.m. on February 10, 2026, in Barangay Tungay, Santa Barbara, Iloilo. Authorities apprehended two suspects identified only by their aliases: Nene, a 32-year-old unemployed individual classified as a high-value target, and Arn, a 58-year-old tricycle driver categorized as a street-value individual. Both are confirmed residents of Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a total of 10 transparent plastic sachets containing what is believed to be shabu, including the item used in the buy-bust transaction. Additionally, marked money and various non-drug items were recovered from the suspects. The confiscated illegal drugs have a standard drug price calculated at P952,000, highlighting the substantial impact of this seizure on the local drug trade.
Collaborative Efforts and Legal Proceedings
The Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station executed this operation in close coordination with specialized units, including the Ippo Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit – Special Operations Group Team 1 and the Provincial Intelligence Unit. This collaborative approach underscores the integrated strategy employed by law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related activities effectively.
Following their arrest, the suspects are currently detained at the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station. Authorities are preparing to file formal charges against them for violations under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries severe penalties for drug offenses.
Commendation from Police Leadership
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), publicly praised the operating units for their successful execution of the anti-drug operation. In his statement, Ligan emphasized the broader implications of such achievements.
"This accomplishment reflects Police Regional Office 6's strong and sustained commitment to the fight against illegal substances. Every confiscation disrupts the supply chain and helps protect families and communities from the harmful effects of drugs," Ligan remarked, highlighting the proactive measures taken to safeguard public welfare.
Call for Community Involvement
PRO 6 has reiterated the critical role of community participation in the ongoing anti-drug campaign. Law enforcement officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. This collective effort is deemed essential for ensuring a safer and drug-free environment across Western Visayas, reinforcing the message that public cooperation is a cornerstone of effective crime prevention.
The successful operation not only represents a significant blow to local drug networks but also serves as a testament to the dedication and coordination of Iloilo's police forces in upholding law and order.
