A 21-YEAR-OLD high-value individual was arrested during an anti-drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) in Barangay Nasugban, Santa Barbara, Iloilo, around 2 p.m. on August 8, 2025.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, acting provincial director of the Ippo, praised the PDEU for their successful operation and continued efforts against illegal drugs in Iloilo.
“Padayon ako nga naga-apelar sa aton mga kasimanwa nga mga Ilonggo, nga magpadayon kita nga maghugpong sa pagpakig-away kontra sa ilegal nga droga. Sa aton pagbinuligay, wala sang imposible nga mapapas naton ang makahalit nga droga,” Razalan said.
(I continue to appeal to our fellow Ilonggos, that we continue to unite in the fight against illegal drugs. With our cooperation, nothing is impossible for us to eradicate harmful drugs.)
Police Major Dadje Delima, team leader of the PDEU, identified the suspect as alias Arvie, a single and jobless resident of Barangay Nasugban, Santa Barbara, Iloilo. He was the target of a two-week surveillance operation following a tip from a concerned citizen.
Authorities confiscated approximately 85 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P578,000. Intelligence gathered during the operation revealed that the suspect was allegedly sourcing illegal drugs from Iloilo City and distributing them in the towns of Santa Barbara and Pavia.
Arvie is currently detained at the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station (MPS) while facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)