Iloilo capitol worker nabbed with P7.8M in meth

PHOTO COURTESY OF ILOILO PROVINCIAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT UNIT

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A 51-year-old provincial government employee was arrested after yielding over one kilogram of suspected “shabu” worth an estimated P7.8 million during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Camambugan of Santa Barbara town, Iloilo, on Wednesday afternoon.

The suspect, identified only by his alias “Banny,” is a resident of Barangay Don T. Lutero East, Janiuay, Iloilo.

Authorities confirmed that Banny is a watchlisted drug personality under the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). He is currently employed as a truck driver for the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

READ: P1.42-M shabu seized, 2 suspects nabbed in Iloilo sting

According to police reports, the sting operation was executed at 2:05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17.

The operation was a collaborative effort led by Team 1 of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), in coordination with PDEU Team 2, the Sta. Barbara Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Regional Intelligence Division 6, and PDEA Regional Office 6.

Undercover operatives successfully transacted with the suspect, leading to his immediate arrest on-site.

READ: Cops nab 2 drug suspects, seize P1.5 million in meth in Iloilo bust

Following the arrest, law enforcement officers recovered a total of 1,145 grams (1.145 kilograms) of suspected shabu.

Following standard operating procedures, Banny was escorted to the nearest hospital for a mandatory medical examination. He is currently held under the custody of the Sta. Barbara police, where booking procedures are underway.

Authorities are preparing to file charges against the suspect for violations of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. /cb