Photo Courtesy RDEU
Law enforcement authorities achieved a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal drugs in Iloilo City as they conducted a highly successful anti-illegal drug operation, resulting in the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVI) earlier today.
Collaborating in a joint effort, the Regional Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, Iloilo City Police Station 3 Special Drug Enforcement Team (ICPS 3 SDET), and City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) joined forces with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 6 to execute the operation.
At approximately 3:20 AM on August 1, 2023, the team meticulously carried out a buy-bust operation along Jayme St., Brgy. Luna, Jaro, Iloilo City. The operation targeted Rene Paches, alias “John,” and Jean Narciso, alias “Neneng.”
Both suspects, believed to be involved in the illegal drug trade, were apprehended after they intentionally conspired and assisted each other in selling two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The transaction, carried out with an undercover police officer posing as a buyer, amounted to a staggering Php 35,000.00 in buy-bust money.
The subsequent search led to the discovery of more evidence, with authorities recovering a total of 570 grams of suspected shabu, valued at around Php 3,876,000.00. The seized substances and related items will be crucial evidence in the prosecution of the arrested individuals.
In addition to the confiscated illegal drugs, law enforcement authorities also recovered drug paraphernalia and personal belongings belonging to the suspects, such as cellular phones, purses, and bags, which will aid further investigations into their alleged drug-related activities.
The arrest of these two high-value targets demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between various law enforcement units in the region. It sends a strong message to drug dealers and traffickers that their illicit activities will not be tolerated, and the authorities will take decisive action to bring them to justice.
