The police seized more than P2.2 million worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Candau-ay, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Authorities said the operation was conducted at Purok Bougainvilla and resulted in the confiscation of 327.21 grams of suspected shabu worth P2,225,028 based on standard drug valuation.
The suspect identified as “Michael,” 33, of Brgy. Banilad, was arrested by the Dumaguete City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit.
Police said the operation stemmed from a tip from a confidential agent who reported that the suspect was selling illegal drugs in the area.
Investigators said the first attempted transaction did not push through because the suspect claimed he did not have enough supply.
They added that the suspect later contacted the poseur buyer and provided the exact meeting place, which led to the final operation.
Police said the buy-bust was carried out after the exchange was consummated.
Recovered from the suspect were several sachets of suspected shabu weighing 5.50 grams and 321.71 grams, a belt bag, a mobile phone, and buy-bust money.
The suspected drugs were turned over to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Forensic Unit for examination.
The suspect remains under the custody of Dumaguete police pending the filing of charges.
PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay commended the operating team for what he described as a major accomplishment in the region’s anti-drug campaign.*