Two Construction Workers Arrested in Iloilo City Drug Buy-Bust Operation

Iloilo City, Philippines – Two construction workers were apprehended during a successful drug buy-bust operation conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU-ICPO) in Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo. The operation took place at 8:10 PM on July 29, 2023.

The arrested individuals were identified as Cyril Cerilla, 33 years old, and Smith Suede, 31 years old, both residents of the same locality and employed as construction workers. During the buy-bust operation, the suspects were caught in possession of 1 plastic sachet of shabu, which they had intended to sell using the 7,000 pesos provided as buy-bust money.

In addition to the initial evidence, four more plastic sachets of shabu were recovered from the subjects. The confiscated items, including the 7,000 pesos buy-bust money, 1 android cellphone, 200 pesos in proceeds money, and 1 e-bike unit, are now in the custody of the police.

According to PCPT. Roque Gimeno III, the Team Leader of CDEU, the operation became successful after two weeks of monitoring the suspects. Gimeno further disclosed that both suspects have a previous history of involvement in similar drug-related cases.

The total weight of the confiscated shabu amounted to 25 grams, with an estimated market value of 170,000 pesos. The two individuals are currently in custody at the Arevalo PNP and will face charges for violating Section 5 and Section 11 of the Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.