ILOILO City – Police operatives arrested Western Visayas’ top-listed drug personality in a buy-bust operation that yielded over P1 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Poblacion A, Dueñas, Iloilo on Sunday afternoon, April 6.
The suspect, a 21-year-old woman known by the alias “Kathlyn” and a resident of Barangay Igang, Pototan, Iloilo, was apprehended at around 3:35 p.m. by members of the Iloilo Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) under the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
According to Major Dadje Delima of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), “Kathlyn” had been under surveillance for three months prior to her arrest.
The breakthrough came when police coordinated with a confidential informant familiar to the suspect, leading to a successful sting.
“We initially tried negotiating with her in Leganes town on Saturday, but she declined. So, we tapped another asset known to her and were able to purchase P6,100 worth of shabu during the operation,” Delima said.
Aside from the marked money, authorities recovered 160 grams of suspected shabu with a street value of approximately P1 million.
Delima noted that the suspect is not only a high-value target but also functions as a “bodegera” (storage keeper) and courier.
Investigators believe her drug supply originates from Manila and is distributed throughout Iloilo province.
IPPO director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan lauded the swift and strategic efforts of his personnel and emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“I commend the outstanding efforts of our PDEU in swiftly tackling the illegal activities of Kathlyn. We are also grateful for the invaluable support from our community in the fight against illegal drugs,” Razalan said.
The suspect is now detained at the Dueñas Municipal Police Station and is facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
