Two suspected drug personalities, including a high-value target, were arrested while another suspect escaped during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office–Negros Island Region in Brgy. Vista Alegre, Bacolod City, Thursday morning, Oct. 23.
At around 11:35 a.m., agents of PDEA RO-NIR Negros Occidental Provincial Office, in coordination with the Seaport Interdiction Unit and Bacolod City Police Station 7, launched the operation at Zone 5, Progreso Village 1, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as alias “Irene,” 40, a high-value target, and alias “Dave,” 18, both residents of Brgy. Vista Alegre.
A third suspect, identified as alias “Jhongel,” 22, also of Brgy. Vista Alegre, managed to evade arrest and is currently being pursued by authorities.
Confiscated during the operation were seven sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 15 grams with street drug price of P102,000, two improvised tooters with residue, buy-bust money, three disposable lighters, one sling bag, and an identification card.
The arrested suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA officials said that follow-up operations are underway to apprehend the remaining suspect.*