Iloilo Police Seize P5 Million Worth of Shabu, Arrest Three Including a Minor

ILOILO — Law enforcement officials successfully intercepted a significant drug transaction on Sunday, September 21, in NHA Village, Barangay Bakhawan Sur, Concepcion, Iloilo, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of an estimated P5 million worth of shabu.

At approximately 4 p.m., police arrested a 43-year-old man known locally as "Budoy," a resident of Barangay Bolaqueña, Estancia, Iloilo. Alongside him, two alleged accomplices were detained: "Kaye," aged 25, and "Noy," 16, both hailing from Barangay Salvacion, Concepcion.

Major Dadje Delima of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) stated that surveillance on Budoy had been ongoing since the previous week, initiated after receiving intelligence through an asset. Budoy consented to sell five grams of shabu priced at P13,000 with assistance from his two counterparts.

The operation culminated in the recovery of a total of 730 grams of shabu, boasting a street value estimated at P5 million.

"Our team has been monitoring them since last week following reports that Budoy acquired a drug shipment from Manila, which was subsequently delivered to Capiz," Delima explained.

Records indicate that Budoy had a prior arrest for similar offenses but was released under a plea bargaining agreement.

The two adult detainees remain in custody at the Concepcion Police Station, while the minor has been handed over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Concepcion. All three will face charges under Republic Act 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

IPPO Director, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, commended the law enforcement team for their unwavering commitment in combating illegal drugs.

"I sincerely thank and commend our PDEU team for their dedication in apprehending those involved and curbing illegal narcotics. I also deeply appreciate the community’s trust in the police and their continued vigilance against illicit activities, especially drug-related offenses. I earnestly appeal for sustained cooperation towards a stronger, peaceful, and drug-free province," Razalan remarked.