OPERATIVES of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and seized 210 grams of shabu worth P1,428,000 during a buy-bust in Barangay Taal, Molo District, Iloilo City at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the operating units and emphasized sustained anti-drug efforts.
“The arrest of a recidivist HVI underscores our firm commitment against illegal drugs. This reflects the dedication of our personnel and the importance of community cooperation. We will sustain intensified operations to hold offenders accountable and keep our communities safe,” Ligan said.
The suspect, identified as alias Derick, 40, a resident of Molo District, was arrested by joint operatives of the Iloilo City Police Office (Icpo)-City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), in coordination with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station (Marpsta), Icpo Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) Team, and Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 4.
Authorities said the suspect is a repeat offender who was previously arrested in February 2022 for a drug-related case and was released in January 2026 after serving his sentence under a plea-bargaining agreement.
Recovered from the suspect were 13 plastic sachets and three plastic packs containing shabu, along with buy-bust money and other non-drug items.
Police said the suspect will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The PRO 6 reiterated its commitment to intensify anti-illegal drug operations to curb the proliferation of illegal substances and ensure public safety across the region. (Leo Solinap)