Iloilo: An employee of the Iloilo provincial government was apprehended for possessing more than 1.14 kilograms of suspected shabu, with a street value estimated at PHP7.78 million, during an operation on Wednesday afternoon. The arrest took place in Camambugan, Sta Barbara, Iloilo, and involved a 51-year-old truck driver residing in Barangay Don T. Lutero East, Janiuay.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation was conducted by operatives from various units of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The authorities confiscated a substantial quantity of suspected shabu, packaged in three big zip lock bags, two large knot-tied bags, ten large heat-sealed sachets, and three regular-sized transparent plastic sachets.

Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, spokesperson for the IPPO, stated that their office, led by Col. Bayani Razalan, remains committed to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs throughout the province. Solis expressed gratitude for the community's support, emphasizing the role of public vigilance in maintaining peace and order.

Maj. Dadjie Delima, head of the PDEU, noted that the suspect was listed on the watchlist of both the Philippine National Police and PDEA. Delima mentioned that the suspect was distributing illegal drugs in the first, second, and third districts of the province.

In a statement to the media, Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. remarked that the suspect must "face the law and take responsibility" for his actions.