ILOILO – A drug buy-bust operation in Estancia town led to the arrest of a high-value individual (HVI) and his accomplice on Thursday night, April 10.
The 42-year-old alias “Jun Jun,” a laborer from the town’s Purok 1, Barangay Tacbuyan, and his 18-year-old cohort, alias “Siping,” a helper from Barangay Tabu-an, were captured around 10:40 p.m.
Authorities seized 99 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P673,200.
Estancia police said the said illegal drugs, which were sourced from Iloilo City, were reportedly intended for distribution across Estancia and nearby towns.
The successful drug sting came after the Estancia Municipal Police Station (MPS) received crucial information from local residents who reported the suspects’ illicit activities.
“This operation is a direct result of strong community collaboration, and it shows that residents are committed to helping us eradicate the drug problem in Estancia,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Jaime M. Esquivel, chief of the Estancia MPS.
Both suspects are now detained, facing charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Colonel Bayani M. Razalan commended the officers of the Estancia MPS for their prompt action and emphasized the significance of continued vigilance by the public in addressing drug-related crimes.
“This operation should send a clear message to those still engaged in illegal drug activities: the law will find you, and you will be held accountable,” Razalan said. “We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities. Together, we can create a safer, drug-free environment for everyone.”/PN
