Major Drug Bust in Pavia Nets P612,000 Worth of Shabu and Three Suspects
In a significant operation against illegal narcotics, the Pavia Municipal Police Station successfully conducted a buy-bust sting that resulted in the seizure of approximately 90 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P612,000. The operation, which took place in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia, Iloilo, on the evening of February 13, 2026, led to the apprehension of three individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
Details of the Arrested Suspects and Police Operation
Colonel Bayani Razalan, the director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), provided specific information about the individuals taken into custody. The primary target of the operation was identified as "Renz," a 27-year-old helper from Barangay Ilaya, Ivisan, Capiz. Authorities have classified Renz as a high-value individual within the local drug network, indicating his significant role in the distribution chain.
Additionally, two other suspects were arrested during the operation. These include "Toto," an 18-year-old resident of Ivisan, Capiz, and "Victor," who hails from Barangay Pal-agon in Pavia. Both Toto and Victor are newly identified as street-level individuals, suggesting they were involved in the lower tiers of drug peddling activities in the area.
The operation was meticulously executed by the Station Drug Enforcement Team, which was under the leadership of Captain Ritz Field Presquito. This team coordinated efforts to ensure the successful capture of the suspects and the confiscation of the illegal substances.
Background and Investigation Leading to the Bust
According to police reports, the buy-bust operation was not a spontaneous event but the culmination of an extensive period of validation and monitoring. For approximately one month, law enforcement officers diligently tracked the activities of the suspects after receiving multiple tips and reports from concerned residents in the community.
Investigators revealed that the suspects allegedly sourced their supply of shabu from Iloilo City, with the intention of distributing the drugs within Pavia. This pattern highlights the interconnected nature of drug trafficking networks across different localities in the region.
Legal Proceedings and Police Statements
Following their arrest, the three suspects are currently detained in the custody of the Pavia police. They are set to face serious legal consequences for their alleged involvement in the drug trade. Specifically, they will be charged with violations of Republic Act 165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries stringent penalties for those convicted of drug-related offenses.
Colonel Razalan took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Station Drug Enforcement Team, praising their dedication and professionalism in carrying out the operation. He also emphasized the crucial role played by the public in this success, stating that the unity between police forces and citizens is vital in combating the spread of illegal drugs and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
Ongoing Campaign Against Illegal Drugs
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the province by continuing its aggressive campaign against illegal drugs. This recent bust serves as a clear demonstration of their ongoing efforts to disrupt drug distribution networks and protect communities from the harmful effects of substance abuse.
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain vigilant, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities to help in the fight against narcotics. The collaboration between law enforcement and the community is seen as a key factor in achieving long-term success in these endeavors.
