Iloilo City: P13M Shabu Seized, 71 Suspects Arrested in February Raids

Iloilo City police seized approximately P13 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, and arrested 71 suspects during a month-long crackdown on illegal drugs in February, according to the Philippine News Agency.

The operations, conducted throughout the city, targeted both high-value individuals and street-level peddlers. A significant bust occurred on February 22nd, resulting in the arrest of two siblings after authorities recovered P1.9 million worth of shabu, as reported by the Daily Tribune and confirmed by a Facebook post from the Philippine National Police. The operation was led by PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

Another operation, detailed by SunStar Publishing Inc., led to the seizure of P1.02 million worth of shabu in a raid within Iloilo City. Further, a separate operation in the Jaro district resulted in the confiscation of P1.39 million worth of shabu and the arrest of four individuals, including a local barangay tanod (village watchman), according to Panay News.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) was recently recognized as the country’s best city police office, with the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) ranking in the top five, as announced by the Philippine News Agency. This recognition comes as the city prepares to implement a lockdown of firearms in anticipation of the Dinagyang Festival, a major cultural event, according to Panay News.