8888 tip leads to PHP 2 million drug bust

By Glazyl M. Jopson

Two friends were arrested in a buy-bust operation that yielded PHP 2.040 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Cabug, Bacolod City, on Monday night, December 1, following a complaint filed through the 8888 Hotline.

Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) arrested two suspects identified only by their aliases — “Niño” and his companion “Steph,” 21, both residents of Barangay Handumanan.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island (PRO-NIR), residents complained about groups of individuals on motorcycles suspected of conducting illegal drug transactions in the area at night, disturbing the peace and threatening community safety.

Recovered from the suspects were 300 grams of suspected shabu and PHP 1,000 in marked money.

Police Lt. Richard Legada, CDEU chief, said Niño had been actively involved in illegal drug activity in Barangays Handumanan and Mansilingan, based on intelligence reports.

Both suspects were arrested for the first time on drug-related charges, but were classified by police as high-value individuals.

They are currently detained at Police Station 9.

The 8888 Hotline is a government initiative that allows the public to report complaints involving red tape, corruption, or misconduct by public officials or government agencies.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, emphasized the value of public cooperation in anti-drug efforts.

“The fight against illegal drugs is achieved through the collaboration of the community and the police,” Ibay said. “Every tip, every act of vigilance strengthens our efforts in keeping the neighborhood safe.”