Authorities seized P4.08 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested three individuals in a drug bust on Thursday, marking the city’s biggest haul this year.

The operation, which escalated into an armed confrontation, occurred in a vacant lot in Barangay Balabago, leaving one suspect injured.

Led by the City Drugs Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), the operation resulted in the confiscation of around 600 grams of shabu, a .45 caliber pistol, and other evidence shortly after 5:00 p.m.

The primary target, identified only as “Lucky,” 29, sustained a minor gunshot wound on his left palm after allegedly attempting to shoot a police poseur-buyer during the transaction.

Police retaliated, prompting the suspect to flee in his vehicle. He later sought treatment at a hospital in Jaro district, where he was arrested and placed under police custody.

“The suspect had a prior record with the Regional Drugs Enforcement Unit (RDEU) in 2019 for a similar buy-bust operation,” ICPO director Colonel Kim Legada said in a statement.

Two other suspects were also apprehended: a 34-year-old call center agent, alias “Jesus,” and a 25-year-old jobless individual, alias “Berna.” Both are residents of Mandurriao district.

Recovered items included buy-bust money, five sachets of illegal drugs,10 transparent plastic bags containing shabu, and other non-drug paraphernalia.

All confiscated pieces of evidence, including the firearm, have been submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 6 for examination.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas commended the police for the successful operation and their careful handling of the situation.

The ICPO vowed to remain vigilant, particularly during the Dinagyang Festival, to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city. (PNA)