Police Regional Office 6 Conducts Major Drug Busts in Iloilo, Nets P714,000 Worth of Shabu
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully arrested two high-value individuals and seized a substantial quantity of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P714,000 during coordinated buy-bust operations conducted on March 30, 2026, across two locations in Iloilo province.
Dual Operations Target Key Drug Figures
The first operation unfolded in Ajuy, Iloilo, where police from the Municipal Police Station apprehended a suspect known as alias Bao, a 41-year-old married resident of Barangay Luca. The arrest occurred at approximately 3:25 p.m., following a meticulously planned buy-bust. Authorities confiscated eight sachets containing about 55 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P374,000, alongside buy-bust money and various non-drug related items as evidence.
Simultaneously, in Iloilo City, a separate team from Iloilo City Police Station 2 executed another buy-bust at around 7 p.m., leading to the capture of alias Rico, a 43-year-old single individual residing in Zone 5, Barangay San Isidro, La Paz District. From this suspect, police recovered 13 sachets weighing approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated worth of P340,000, in addition to buy-bust funds and other non-drug evidence.
Commitment to Eradicating Illegal Drugs
Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the Regional Director of PRO 6, emphasized the force's unwavering dedication to combating drug-related crimes. "These arrests highlight our firm commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region. We assure the public that PRO 6 will remain proactive and steadfast in protecting our communities from all forms of criminality," he stated, underscoring the broader implications of these operations for public safety.
Both suspects have been identified as high-value individuals deeply involved in illicit drug activities. They are currently detained under police custody and are set to face serious legal charges for violations under Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Part of an Intensified Anti-Drug Campaign
These successful operations are integral components of PRO 6's ongoing and intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, which aims to dismantle entrenched drug networks and prevent the spread of dangerous substances throughout communities in Iloilo and beyond. Police officials noted that the coordinated efforts in Ajuy and Iloilo City demonstrate effective teamwork among various operating units and reinforce the government's resolute stance against narcotics trafficking.
Looking ahead, PRO 6 has pledged to continue its aggressive operations targeting individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade, as part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure public order and enhance community security across the Western Visayas region.
