POLICE arrested two high-value individuals (HVIs) and one street-level individual (SLI) in a buy-bust in Barangay Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo, at 7:31 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) Director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan commended successful operations and warned drug peddlers of potential consequences.
"I commend the outstanding performance of our PDEU (Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit) in apprehending these high-profile drug offenders in our province. I urge all drug peddlers to stop now, or they will face consequences," Razalan said.
The operation led to the confiscation of approximately 265 grams of shabu, with an estimated street value of P1,802,000.
The primary target, alias Dan or Wild, 50, a resident of Barangay San Antonio, Oton, Iloilo, was classified as an HVI. His accomplices were identified as alias Joe or Jose, 56, and alias Yan or Ryan, 37, both jobless residents of Barangay Poblacion South, Oton, Iloilo.
Joe was also tagged as an HVI, while Yan was classified as an SLI.
The operation was the result of nearly three months of intelligence validation following reports from concerned citizens regarding the suspects' alleged involvement in illegal drug distribution.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects had been sourcing their supply from Iloilo City and distributing it in Oton and nearby towns.
Police records showed that Dan had previously eluded arrest in an anti-drug operation in Barangay Botong, Oton, Iloilo.
Joe had been arrested in a 2016 buy-bust operation but was released in 2019 after entering a plea bargain agreement.
Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) Director Brigadier General Jack Wanky also praised the operatives and emphasized the regional police force’s unwavering stance against illegal drugs.
"I commend the personnel involved in this successful operation. This highlights our unwavering commitment to fighting illegal drugs. Rest assured that the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas will continue to intensify its efforts to safeguard every community from the peril of illegal substances," Wanky said.
The suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Leo Solinap)