Three high-value drug suspects, including a virtual assistant and a store owner, were arrested while about P5.34 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in separate anti-drug operations in Bacolod City and San Carlos City from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 14 to 16.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said the three operations yielded a combined 785.87 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P5,343,916.
The latest and largest operation was conducted by Bacolod City Police Station 1 along Palanca Road in Brgy. 12 at around 1:16 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.
Police arrested a 21-year-old man identified only by the alias “Jo,” who was classified as a high-value individual.
Authorities said intelligence validation showed that the suspect worked as a virtual assistant and allegedly distributed illegal drugs to customers in Brgys. 12, 16 and 35 and neighboring areas in Bacolod.
The suspect was arrested after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover police officer.
Police recovered about 350 grams of suspected shabu valued at P2.38 million, consisting of the buy-bust item, four knot-tied plastic bags, five large sachets and two elongated sachets.
Also seized were a body bag and P1,000 in buy-bust money.
Meanwhile, San Carlos City police arrested another high-value suspect during a buy-bust operation in Purok Lubi, Brgy. 1 at around 7:08 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.
The suspect, alias “Ry,” 27, was identified as a store and junkshop owner.
Police alleged that he used his sari-sari store as a front for the sale of illegal drugs.
Authorities recovered 18 sachets containing about 335.87 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P2,283,916, along with a pink bag and P900 in buy-bust money.
On the same day, another newly identified high-value individual was arrested during a separate operation in Purok Gaisano, Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City.
The 18-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias “Yur,” allegedly sold illegal drugs to customers from inside his residence.
Police said he had previously been arrested for an alleged violation of Republic Act 9165 in 2023 but was referred for intervention because he was still a minor at the time.
Authorities recovered about 100 grams of suspected shabu worth P680,000, along with P1,000 in buy-bust money, P2,500 in alleged drug proceeds and other non-drug evidence.
All three suspects are under police custody and are facing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said the successive operations demonstrate the regional police’s continuing intelligence-driven campaign against illegal drug distribution.
“This operation sends a clear message that there is no safe haven for those engaged in the illegal drug trade,” Cardiño said.*
[sibwp_form id=1]