Dismissed cop, man caught in PHP3.7-M drug busts

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Authorities confiscated a total of PHP 3.7 million worth of suspected shabu from a former policewoman and an alleged drug pusher in separate buy-bust operations in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental on Sept. 10 and 11.

In the most recent operation, police recovered 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 3.4 million from a 56-year-old man identified only as “Cyrel” in Barangay San Miguel, Bacong, Negros Oriental early Thursday.

Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO), said the suspect is considered a high-value individual and is a known drug personality in Sta. Catalina town, where he resides.

Polinar added that authorities are investigating possible links between the suspect and previously arrested individuals involved in major drug operations in the province.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said the police will continue their relentless campaign against illegal drugs.

“This is a clear message to all those involved in the illegal drug trade, your days are numbered,” Ibay said.

PRO-NIR considers the operation a significant milestone in the region’s anti-drug efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and peace and order.

Meanwhile, a former policewoman was arrested Wednesday after police seized 45 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 306,000 in Barangay Poblacion 2, Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Col. Alvimar Flores, chief of the Sagay City Police Station, said the 30-year-old suspect, identified as “Tata,” was subjected to a buy-bust after her name came up during interrogations of previously arrested suspects, who allegedly named her as their source.

Flores reported that the former patrolwoman also yielded a .45 caliber pistol, a magazine, and five rounds of ammunition.

He said the suspect failed to present documents proving the legality of the firearm, and police are verifying whether she still has any issued service weapons.

Flores added that the suspect was last assigned to Police Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City and had been suspended since January 2021.

She was officially dismissed from the police service in October 2023 after being on absence without official leave since May of the same year.

Authorities said the suspect will face charges for violation of drug laws, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.