Over P1.5 million worth of ‘shabu’ seized in Iloilo

Authorities seize more than P1.5 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo on Thursday night, May 14., 2026. A suspect was arrested while another managed to escape. (Photo courtesy of Iloilo Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit) ILOILO CITY — Authorities seized an estimated ₱1.56 million worth of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) during a major anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo late Thursday night. The buy-bust operation was conducted at 10:40 p.m. by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 3, led by Police Maj. Dadje B. Delima, with support from the Estancia Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU). READ: Iloilo cops seize P1.3 million ‘shabu’ in overnight operations Article continues after this advertisement Operatives arrested a newly identified high-value individual (HVI) known only by the alias “Maymay,” 25, an unemployed resident of Barangay Poblacion Zone 2 in Estancia. Another suspect, identified as alias “Jokie,” around 34 years old and a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Ajuy, managed to escape during the operation and remains at large. Police also classified Jokie as a newly identified HVI. According to the police report, authorities recovered about 230 grams of suspected shabu from the suspects. Recovered during the operation were one sachet containing about a gram of suspected shabu believed to be the buy-bust item; four large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu; one regular-sized transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu; P6,600 in marked buy-bust money, and several other non-drug items. Maymay is currently under the custody of the Estancia MPS for proper documentation and the filing of formal charges. She is expected to face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Meanwhile, authorities have launched a follow-up manhunt operation to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect./coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.