BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – A one-day antidrug operation by the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) resulted in the arrest of eight drug suspects and the seizure of an estimated P1.4 million worth of suspected shabu.
The operation ran from 6 a.m. on November 30 to 5:59 a.m. on December 1, 2024, and covered several provinces and cities in Western Visayas.
Among those apprehended, one was classified as a high-value target, while seven were identified as street-level individuals. The arrests were made by various police units:
* Antique Police Provincial Office – one suspect
* Iloilo Police Provincial Office – one suspect
* Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office – three suspects
* Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) – three 3 suspects
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) confiscated the largest volume of illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of P1,292,000.
The biggest single operation occurred in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, where ICPO Police Station 10 arrested a high-value target known as alias “Batoy”.
The 39-year-old suspect was found in possession of approximately 150 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,020,000, along with a .38-caliber revolver, four live cartridges, and one empty cartridge.
The operation in Barangay Bakhaw was conducted at around 5:35 PM on November 30 and marked a significant success in the region’s anti-drug campaign.
Police Brigadier General Jack L. Wanky, Regional Director of PRO-6, commended the efforts of the personnel and unit commanders involved. He also acknowledged the vital role of community support in providing information that led to the arrests.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to other law enforcement agencies for their unwavering support. Our partnership underscores our collective determination to combat illegal drugs and protect our communities,” Wanky said.
The suspects are currently in police custody and face multiple charges related to illegal drug possession and firearms violations. Authorities assured the public of their continued vigilance and collaboration with stakeholders to sustain the momentum in the fight against illegal drugs./PN
