Police seized more than ₱1.02 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value individual during a buy-bust operation in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Friday, Jan. 2.
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region said operatives of the Dumaguete City Police Station conducted the operation at Purok 7, Diversion Road, Brgy. Batinguel.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Melsac,” 46, married, and a resident of Purok Santan, Barangay Taclobo, Dumaguete City.
Authorities said the operation was launched after a confidential informant reported that the suspect was actively selling illegal drugs in the area.
Police added that validation revealed the suspect had a previous arrest for illegal drug-related offenses.
During the operation, police recovered a sachet of suspected shabu weighing about 10 grams with an estimated value of P68,000, which served as the buy-bust item.
Authorities also seized three additional sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 140 grams with an estimated value of P952,000.
Other items recovered included an Android mobile phone, a black belt bag containing drug-related items, one genuine P1,000 bill, and marked and boodle bills used in the operation.
The confiscated drug evidence was submitted to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
The suspect is currently detained at the Dumaguete City Police Station and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.*