BCPO steps up drug watch ahead of MassKara

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — As the MassKara Festival approaches, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is intensifying intelligence monitoring and anti-drug operations across the city.

Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director, said they have observed rising drug prices, suggesting a decrease in supply.

“We cannot really eradicate drugs, but we assure that we are trying to address the problem and prevent it from getting worse,” he said.

He admitted that while eliminating the drug trade is difficult — especially as it has become a livelihood for some — the police remain committed to reducing the supply and limiting its impact on communities.

From Sept. 15 to 21, the BCPO conducted 12 anti-drug operations that resulted in the seizure of PHP 1.5 million worth of suspected shabu and PHP 75,000 worth of suspected marijuana, and the arrest of 13 individuals.

On Sept. 22, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) arrested a two-time drug offender and a 15-year-old boy in a buy-bust operation that yielded PHP 1.7 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Singcang-Airport.

Other major drug seizures this month include a former soldier caught with PHP 346,800 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Tangub on Sept. 19.

A teenage male and his companion were arrested for possession of PHP 680,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Banago on Sept. 16.

Three people were apprehended in Barangay 1 with PHP 952,000 worth of suspected shabu on Sept. 14.

A man was caught with PHP 476,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Bata on Sept. 9.

Police also recovered PHP 408,000 worth of suspected shabu from a repeat drug offender in Barangay Mandalagan on Sept. 4.

Coronica said the BCPO is working to block the entry of illegal drugs into the city, especially during the MassKara Festival, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors.

Bacolod will be celebrating the 46th edition of the MassKara Festival this year.