ILOILO – Police arrested an ex-convict anew in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Jelicuon Montinola, Cabatuan, Iloilo on Sunday, March 30.
The 53-year-old alias Fred,” a former barangay kagawad, yielded around 60 grams of suspected shabu approximately valued at P408,000.
According to the Cabatuan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the suspect was previously arrested in February 2016 for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). After serving time in prison, he was released in 2019.
Recent intelligence reports suggested he had resumed his illegal drug activities. Cabatuan police said their surveillance, which began in December 2024, linked him to drug operations in Mina, New Lucena, and Janiuay towns.
The suspect is now in the custody of the Cabatuan MPS, facing charges for violating RA 9165.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), warned former inmates against returning to illegal activities, emphasizing that the authorities will not hesitate to take action.
“This operation is a reminder to all former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). You were given a second chance to rebuild your lives with your families. Do not waste it. If you return to illegal activities, especially drugs, we will ensure that you end up back in jail,” Razalan said./PN
