ILIGAN CITY — Authorities seized more than half a million pesos worth of suspected shabu from two former convicts arrested in separate anti-drug operations conducted in Iligan City on Wednesday night, May 13.
Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) first arrested a suspect identified only by the alias “Paul,” a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Tibanga, during a buy-bust operation around 8:50 p.m.
Police recovered approximately 30 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect, with an estimated street value of P204,000.
Less than three hours later, at around 10:57 p.m., another anti-drug operation led by the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group resulted in the arrest of alias “Joseph” in Zone 5, Barangay Bagong Silang.
Joseph, a resident of Barangay Saray, was found in possession of around 51 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P346,000.
According to police reports, the two suspects are reportedly associates and had previously served jail time for similar drug-related offenses.
Authorities said the latest arrests underscore the continuing problem of repeat offenders involved in the illegal drug trade despite intensified law enforcement campaigns.
The suspects are currently under temporary detention while authorities prepare the filing of additional charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Paul is being held at Police Station 5, while Joseph remains under the custody of Police Station 1 pending inquest proceedings and further investigation.