Eight arrested, PHP 408,000 in shabu and guns seized in NegOcc

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Eight persons were arrested for a drug offense and possession of loose firearms in separate anti-criminality operations in the city and in Negros Occidental on Saturday.

Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit arrested a 20-year-old man from Barangay 8 in a drug bust in Barangay Cabug.

Police confiscated 40 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 272,000 and one gram of suspected marijuana worth PHP 120.

According to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, the suspect was reportedly actively involved in illegal drug activities in Barangays Cabug, 6, 8, 10, and Handumanan.

In Cauayan town, seven persons were apprehended after police served a search warrant for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition in Barangay Talacdan.

While approaching the location to implement the warrant, operatives heard a gunshot emanating from the premises, prompting them to immediately take defensive action to ensure their safety and maintain control of the situation.

The individual responsible for the gunfire was swiftly subdued by the responding personnel.

Authorities also observed in plain view several items believed to be illegal drugs laid out on a table and apparently in the process of being packed.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of 20 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 136,000.

Also recovered were a .38 revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, six improvised tooters, a .38 caliber revolver loaded with four rounds of ammunition, and a fired cartridge.

Under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, illegal possession of a firearm carries penalties of up to 12 years in prison. When firearms are found in conjunction with illegal drugs, suspects may face separate charges under both RA 10591 and Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, significantly increasing potential penalties.

The PRO-NIR vowed to be relentless against all forms of criminality, particularly the convergence of illegal drugs and loose firearms, which poses serious threats to public safety.