Bacolod police seize PHP 1,972,000 shabu in two ops

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region intensified its anti-drug campaign during the MassKara Festival following the arrest of two high-value drug personalities and the seizure of suspected shabu worth PHP 1,972,000 on Wednesday.

The first operation conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit in Barangay Taculing resulted in the arrest of “Bebe,” 44, a resident of Barangay 18.

Confiscated from the suspect were 70 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 476,000.

Police Lt. Richard Legada, assistant CDEU chief, said the suspect acted as a drug courier receiving PHP 1,000 per delivery in three areas and reportedly admitted to taking on deliveries because of the lure of quick money.

A subsequent checkpoint in Barangay 6 led to the arrest of “Anthony,” 35, of Barangay 2, and the recovery of 220 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 1,496,000.

During the checkpoint by the Bacolod City Mobile Force Company, operatives intercepted a suspect allegedly driving a black motorcycle at high speed without a helmet, side mirrors or a plate number.

Upon approaching the checkpoint, the suspect attempted a U-turn to evade inspection but was immediately blocked and intercepted.

When flagged down, the suspect reached into a pocket to present a driver’s license, and a bundle of cash and a sachet of suspected shabu fell to the ground.

He was placed under custody and turned over to Police Station 2 for investigation and appropriate legal action.

Also confiscated from the suspect were PHP 35,370, an improvised glass tube tooter, a pack of empty transparent plastic, and a hand grenade.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO–NIR director, commended the Bacolod City Police Office for swift action, stressing that neutralizing high-value targets is crucial to keeping illegal drugs out of communities during major public events like the MassKara Festival.

“These back-to-back operations ensure that the MassKara celebration remains safe, secure, and drug-free,” Ibay said.

“Together with the community, we will continue to strengthen our campaign to protect the next generation from the menace of illegal drugs,” he added.