Western Visayas (WV) police have marked a milestone in their relentless fight against the illegal drug trade. The successful buy-bust operation in Janiuay, Iloilo, confiscated PHP40.8 million worth of shabu and arrested a high-value individual, alias "Miklyn." This accomplishment underscores the dedication of law enforcement to curb the drug menace that continues to plague communities.
Captain Glen Soliman, head of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, provided details about the operation, revealing that Miklyn handed over the illegal substance, valued at PHP26,000, to an undercover agent in Sitio Siga2, Brgy. Don T. Lutero Eas. The subsequent arrest yielded several sachets and large packs of suspected shabu, totaling over six kilos with a market value of PHP40.8 million.
The arrest of Miklyn's companion, alias "Koi-Koi," unfortunately, did not materialize, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending individuals involved in the drug trade. Soliman disclosed that the suspects had been operating for around five months, sourcing their supplies from Manila and establishing themselves as significant players in the drug trade within the province and city of Iloilo.
It is disheartening to learn that Koi-Koi, despite a previous arrest in 2018, managed to avail of plea bargaining in 2021, raising questions about the justice system's effectiveness in dealing with repeat offenders. The revelation that the arrested individuals had expanded their operations to Bacolod when their supply in Iloilo ran dry underscores the interconnected and pervasive nature of the drug trade.
This successful buy-bust operation represents the most significant drug confiscation in Western Visayas this year, surpassing the PHP20-million haul in Jaro District on November 9. The three high-value suspects arrested in this latest operation not only dismantled a drug network but also contributed significantly to reducing the supply of illegal drugs in Iloilo.
The timing of these arrests is particularly crucial, considering the upcoming festive season in December and the Dinagyang Festival late in January. The police's proactive approach in addressing the drug trade during these periods reflects a commitment to ensuring public safety and preserving the community's well-being.
As the Western Visayas police celebrate this accomplishment, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal drugs and the need for sustained efforts to eradicate this menace. The successful operation demonstrates that law enforcement agencies can make a tangible impact in dismantling drug networks. Still, it also underscores the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation from the community in the fight against illegal drugs.
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PHOTO CAPTION: A SUSPECTED shabu worth P40.8 million was seized from two drug pushers in Janiuay town, Iloilo province on December 17. (PNP RPDEU-6)
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