P5.7M worth of shabu seized

ILOILO CITY: Police authorities in Iloilo are on full alert following the confiscation of P5.7 million worth of shabu ahead of the Dinagyang Festival on January 27 and 28.

Around 320 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P2.2 million, were seized from a high-value individual (HVI) in the Mandurriao district of Iloilo City on the evening of January 25.

The police identified the suspect as a 44-year-old tricycle driver and resident of Barangay Lanit in Jaro district.

During the anti-illegal drug operation, the police recovered eight heat-sealed pieces and three knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, the buy-bust money and other nondrug items.

Meanwhile, three individuals were apprehended, and approximately 520 grams of shabu valued at P3.5 million, were seized in Pavia town in the province of Iloilo on the morning of January 26.

Two of the arrested drug personalities are listed as HVIs, while the other one is a street-level pusher.

Among the seized items were 34 heat-sealed pieces and six knottied transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, buybust money, improvised totters and a digital weighing scale.

The arrested individuals are currently in police custody for the proper disposition of their cases. They will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 (PDEA-6) spokesman, said in an interview with a local radio station that the demand for illegal drugs rises during big events such as the Dinagyang Festival due to the surge in the number of tourists visiting the province.

She added that since December of last year, PDEA-6 has heightened security measures at seaports and terminals in the region, which, according to her, are major passageways used for the transport of illegal drugs.