Iloilo City Police Arrest Two in Major Drug Bust Seizing P408K Worth of Shabu

Operatives from the Iloilo City Police Station 2 apprehended two high-value suspects and confiscated nearly 60 grams of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz District, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on September 24, 2025.

The detained individuals were identified as 23-year-old alias Toto Bot-bot, a construction worker residing in Barangay San Pedro, Jaro District, and 25-year-old alias Nonoy Negro, also a construction worker from Mainuswagon, Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao District.

Authorities recovered 10 sachets of the illegal substance, a cartridge of a high-explosive item, the buy-bust money, and other related paraphernalia from the suspects.

Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), highlighted the significance of the operation in sustaining their aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.

"This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to eliminating illegal drugs in Western Visayas. We will persist in targeting those who endanger the peace and security of our communities. With public support, we are confident that a drug-free region is attainable," General Ligan stated.

The suspects are currently held at ICPS 2 and face charges under Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Conviction under this law carries penalties including life imprisonment and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.

The Iloilo City Police Office confirmed that the seized drugs and related items have been forwarded to the crime laboratory for analysis. Case files are being prepared to facilitate the formal filing of charges.