In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Iloilo City authorities successfully executed a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balabago, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of PHP4.08 million worth of shabu. The operation, which took place on Thursday, January 16, 2025, was the largest drug haul in the city this year.
The operation turned violent when it escalated into a shootout in a vacant lot, leaving one of the suspects, known only as ‘Lucky,’ a 29-year-old with a minor gunshot wound to his left palm. ‘Lucky’ allegedly tried to shoot an undercover police officer during the transaction, prompting police to return fire. He attempted to escape in his vehicle but was later apprehended at a hospital in Jaro district where he sought treatment.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) led the operation through its City Drugs Enforcement Unit (CDEU). They confiscated approximately 600 grams of shabu, a .45 caliber pistol, and other evidence around 5 p.m. ‘Lucky’ had a previous record with the Regional Drugs Enforcement Unit (RDEU) from a similar operation in 2019.
Two other individuals were arrested during the operation: a 34-year-old call center agent known as ‘Jesus’ and a 25-year-old unemployed person known as ‘Berna,’ both residents of Mandurriao district. The police also recovered buy-bust money, five sachets of illegal drugs, 10 transparent plastic bags containing shabu, and other non-drug items.
All seized items, including the firearm, were sent to the Regional Forensic Unit 6 for further examination. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas praised the police for their effective and cautious approach during the operation. The ICPO has pledged to maintain heightened vigilance, especially with the upcoming Dinagyang Festival, to curb the spread of illegal drugs in the city.