ILIGAN CITY — Police arrested a suspected high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade and seized approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱340,000 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Villaverde, Iligan City, on August 19, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 7:46 p.m. along Villaverde Road by personnel of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), together with the Iligan City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC) and intelligence operatives of Iligan City Police Station 5 (ICPS5), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The operation was carried out under PDEA Pre-Operation Number 11-00-08192026-039 and TIP A-202608-19-PRO10-ICPO-CDEU.
Police identified the arrested suspect as a 28-year-old single, jobless man and resident of Purok 5, Canaway, Barangay Tibanga, Iligan City. Authorities did not immediately release his name.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested after allegedly selling illegal drugs to a poseur-buyer during the operation.
Suspected shabu recovered
Operating personnel recovered two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu.
The larger sachet and a smaller sachet had a combined estimated weight of more or less 50 grams. Police placed the estimated market value of the suspected drugs at ₱340,000.
Authorities stressed that the substance remains suspected shabu pending laboratory examination and confirmation by the appropriate authorities.
Also recovered during the operation were a plastic cellophane ice wrapper and a blue disposable lighter, as well as three ₱100 bills used as marked money during the transaction.
The marked bills bore serial numbers ND854208, TR372480, and AH85177196.
The recovery of the suspected drugs and other evidence was documented as part of the police procedure following the arrest.
Witnesses present during inventory
Police said the inventory and documentation of the confiscated items were conducted in the presence of required witnesses, including Barangay Captain Luzviminda De Los Santos and media representative Desiderio Navales.
The presence of witnesses formed part of the procedures governing the handling, inventory and documentation of seized dangerous drugs and related evidence.
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of ICPS5-ICPO for documentation and proper disposition.
The confiscated suspected drugs will undergo laboratory examination, while police investigators are preparing the appropriate case for filing under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
ICPO vows continued operations
ICPO City Director PCOL Mario M. Baquiran Jr. said the police force would continue pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly those identified as high-value targets.
“We will continue to intensify our operations against individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly those identified as high-value targets. Our commitment remains firm in protecting our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” Baquiran said.
The latest operation highlights the continued use of coordinated, intelligence-driven enforcement operations by the ICPO, PDEA and other law enforcement units in targeting suspected drug personalities in Iligan City.
Police also urged residents to remain vigilant and report information concerning suspected illegal drug activities in their communities to authorities.
The arrest and seizure, however, remain allegations at this stage. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a court of law.