P1.5M shabu seized in drug sting

ILOILO CITY, Philippines --- Around P1.5 million worth of shabu was seized in a buy-bust operation yesterday morning in Jaro district of this city.

The joint operation of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) led to the arrest of suspected drug couriers Rio Galopin, 34, of Barangay Sta. Teresa, Jordan, Guimaras, and Edwin Ferrer, 29, of Buenavista, Guimaras.

PDEA-6 regional director Paul Ledesma said 150 grams of  suspected shabu and P12,000 cash were confiscated from the two suspects, who Ledesma confirmed were on PDEA's watchlist of target personalities in the national level and in Regions 4-A and 6.

The suspects however told The Freeman: "Biktima lang kami 'ya (We're just victims here)," Galopin said adding that he would just tell everything to Ledesma.

Ferrer, on the other hand, had himself photographed while displaying his cuffed hands to show that he has nothing to be ashamed of. "Wala ako sala (I have done no wrong)".

Meanwhile, the months of November, December, and January signaled the increase of drug volume in Iloilo, partly because of the Dinagyang Festival celebration.

Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, Police Regional Office-6 deputy director for operations, said the police are also keeping a tight watch on all ports, airports, bus terminals, and Ro-Ro vessels to intercept illegal drugs entering Western Visayas.  (FREEMAN)