POLICE operatives seized an estimated P1,088,000 worth of suspected shabu and arrested two drug suspects during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Aspera, Sara, Iloilo around 8:45 p.m. on July 17, 2025.
According to the Sara Municipal Police Station (MPS), alias Joseph had previously been arrested in an anti-drug operation in August 2014 and was released from jail in April 2025. Alias Jason was arrested in June 2023 in a separate drug bust and was released on bail in December 2024.
Police Captain Theodore Roosevelt Saboy, officer-in-charge of Sara MPS, said the operation followed nearly two months of surveillance based on reports from concerned citizens.
Investigators revealed the suspects sourced their drugs from Estancia, Iloilo, and distributed them across Sara and neighboring towns.
The joint operation was conducted by Sara MPS and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Team (PDET) 3 of the Ippo.
The suspects are now in police custody and will be charged for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provicial Office (Ippo), praised his personnel for their dedication and also thanked residents for their cooperation.
“Untata niyo na ang inyo nga ilegal nga hilikuton subong, ukon magapangatubang kamo sa seryoso nga konsekwensya. Siguraduhon namon nga mapreso kamo. Indi kami mag-untat tubtob nga indi namon madakop ang tagsa ka indibidwal nga may kahilabtanan sa ilegal nga droga,” Razalan warned.
(Stop your illegal activities now, or you will face serious consequences. We will make sure you go to jail. We will not stop until we arrest every individual involved in illegal drugs.)
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), also commended the operatives.
“I congratulate everyone for a job well done. Let us remain vigilant and continue to strengthen our partnerships with other law enforcement and intelligence units to disrupt the illegal drug trade,” said Ligan. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)