P4M shabu seized, 3 nabbed in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY — Three high-value individuals were arrested as they yielded over P4 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust on Jan. 16 in Barangay Balabago, Jaro district.

Elements of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recovered around 600 grams of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P4.08 million, a.45 caliber pistol and P12,000 used in the buy-bust.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three big-time pushers, including the main target identified as alias "Lucky," sustained injuries during an armed confrontation with the police.

The ICPO said the buy-bust escalated into an armed confrontation when Lucky fired at the operatives.

Lucky attempted to escape using his vehicle but was apprehended after sustaining injuries and being immobilized.

Two suspects are currently under police custody, while the injured suspect is receiving treatment at Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center.

The ICPO said the drug haul was so far the biggest this year.

The ICPO previously said that they are on heightened alert for a potential increase of drug supplies to the city as the Dinagyang Festival draws near.

Big-time pusher yields P1.1M shabu, firearm in Bataan

In Bataan, police arrested another high-value individual who yielded shabu worth P1,142,000 and a loose firearm during a buy-bust in Barangay Bilolo in Orion town on Saturday.

Bataan police director Col. Palmer Tria said police operatives seized about 168 grams of shabu and a caliber.22 magnum revolver with seven ammunition from the suspect.

Maj. Madtaib Jalman, Orion police chief, said the suspect faces criminal complaints in violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article 2 of Republic Act (RA) 9165 and Republic Act 10591, or Violation of Omnibus Election Code.

Tria commended the Bataan police personnel behind the significant accomplishments in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms, particularly in operations targeting high-value individuals.