PRO 6 cops nab W. Visayas drug ‘trafficker’; P6.8M shabu seized
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. on Thursday announced a “major victory” in their ongoing war against illegal drugs following a successful anti-narcotics operation in Iloilo province that resulted in the arrest of a top drug trafficker in Western Visayas after he sold a kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million to an undercover officer.
Citing a report from Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 Director Brigadier Gen. Leo M. Francisco, the top cop said the arrested suspect with the alias “Toto Mat,” a 20-year-old “high-value target” (HVT) who yielded a huge volume of the so-called “poor man’s cocaine” during a sting at the Shangri-la Beach Resort in Barangay Barosbos, Carles, Iloilo 10:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Azurin commended members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (PPO) and the Carles Municipal Police Station (MPS) for making the huge anti-drug accomplishment under the supervision of Francisco.
He said that the suspect was immediately arrested after he sold P600,000 worth of shabu to an undercover agent. A big plastic packet containing the drugs and the P600,000 worth of buy-bust money was initially recovered from the suspect’s possession.
When frisked, the suspect also yielded 28 more plastic packets of shabu and other non-drug items. The drug evidence weighed a kilo during an examination.
The suspect is now facing non-bailable charges for the sale and possession of prohibited drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, said Francisco.
The suspect is being held at the Carles Police lock-up facility.
“This operation is a clear demonstration of our commitment to fighting the illegal drug trade in the Philippines. We will continue to exert all efforts to prevent, [to] eradicate drug use and encourage occasional users to discontinue use,” Azurin said.
“The provision of the best available technical, electronic and chemical analysis equipment, are our ways forward to help in the arrest of drug traffickers and bring to justice those who threaten the safety and security of our communities,” he added.
The PNP chief also thanked members of the community who gave their full support and cooperation to the PRO 6 agents leading to the arrest of the suspect. BY ZAIDA DELOS REYES & ALFRED DALIZON
