Iloilo city: Police arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP3.74 million and an unlicensed firearm in two anti-drug operations in Arevalo District here on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office (PRO) - Western Visayas identified the suspect as alias Eric/Rokyo, 55, a resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Arevalo. Operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit, using a police poseur-buyer, initially purchased 50 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect.

A follow-up search of his residence led to the recovery of 500 grams more of suspected shabu, a 9mm pistol with six rounds of ammunition, and other pieces of evidence. 'The suspect was arrested after an almost three-month intelligence monitoring of his involvement in the illegal drug trade,' the regional police said in a report released Thursday evening.

Acting Regional Police Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o credited the operation to intensified intelligence monitoring and coordination among police units. He urged personnel to continue pursuing high-value targets and sustain the campaign against illegal drugs.