THE Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) successfully conducted two separate anti-drug operations, resulting in the arrest of three high-value targets and the seizure of illegal drugs worth approximately P3,128,000.
The Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDET) of the Pavia Municipal Police Station (MPS) apprehended a couple, alias MJ and alias Cy, during a buy-bust at 9:50 a.m. on March 13, 2025, in Barangay Ungka I, Pavia, Iloilo.
Meanwhile, the SDET of Mina MPS arrested a drug suspect, alias Andoy, at 11:37 a.m. on March 14, 2025, in Barangay Tolarucan, Mina, Iloilo.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan commended the officers involved in both operations and reiterated the IPPO's commitment to eradicating illegal drugs.
“I commend the outstanding efforts of the operating team in apprehending these high-profile drug offenders. I urge all drug dealers to cease their illegal activities immediately, as they will face the full force of the law," he said.
Razalan emphasized the importance of fighting drugs, citing the unwavering support of the Ilonggo community and the vision of a drug-free Iloilo being within reach.
Alias MJ, 54, an unemployed woman, and her husband, alias Cy, 53, a laborer, had been under close surveillance for nearly two weeks before their arrest.
Authorities received reports that the couple was involved in the illegal drug trade, prompting law enforcement to monitor their activities. Investigators confirmed that they sourced shabu from Iloilo City and distributed it in Pavia and surrounding areas.
The police operation led to the confiscation of approximately 400 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of P2,720,000.
Meanwhile, on March 14, 2025, the Mina MPS's SDET apprehended a drug suspect, alias Andoy, in Barangay Tolarucan.
Andoy, a 39-year-old male resident of Barangay Tolarucan, Mina, Iloilo, had also been under surveillance for two weeks before being apprehended. Authorities found that he was distributing illegal drugs in Mina after sourcing them from Iloilo City.
Razalan emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs and encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities.
"This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to maintaining the safety and security of Iloilo against the scourge of drug abuse and trafficking," he said.
Razalan further stressed the importance of a strong partnership between law enforcement and the community in combating illegal drugs, aiming to create a safer environment for all.
The operation led to the seizure of approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu, valued at around P408,000.
The IPPO remains dedicated to dismantling drug networks and preventing the further spread of illegal drugs in Iloilo.
Both cases are being processed under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The suspects are currently detained at their respective municipal police stations while awaiting formal charges. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)