Eight nabbed in PHP 1.36 million drug sting

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Eight persons were arrested and 200 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 1.360 million were seized in a drug bust in Purok Tahong, Barangay 2 here early Tuesday.

The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) arrested 22-year-old “Lorence,” a high-value individual, and his companions — “John,” 29, of Barangay 29; “Ren,” 23; “Ogie,” 27; “Mark,” 31; and “Vincent,” 39, all residents of Barangay 2; “Ace,” 34, of Barangay 30; and “Karl,” 22, of Barangay Cabug.

Police tagged the seven other suspects as street-level individuals.

According to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the operation unfolded when CDEU operatives received information indicating that the subject was allegedly actively engaging in illegal drug activities across various barangays here through his trusted pushers or downlines.

The arrested suspects are detained at Police Station 2.

“We will never allow illegal drugs to tarnish this celebration or endanger our people,” said Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director.

The PRO-NIR assured the public that heightened police visibility and proactive operations will be sustained throughout the MassKara Festival to guarantee a celebration that is safe, orderly, and free from any threat to public safety.

On top of the recent drug haul, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has seized PHP 3.5 million worth of illegal drugs since Oct. 1.

Meanwhile, a fisherman ended up in jail on his 26th birthday after he was arrested in a drug bust, along with his companion, in Cabug Bay-bay, Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of Silay City Police Station, said that “Alden” reportedly tried to ask to spare him even for a day because of his birthday, but authorities explained that illegal drugs are a serious offense.

Alden and his companion “Jay-r,” 36, of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, were tagged as newly identified individuals.

Darroca said they have been receiving reports about their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Police seized eight grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 54,400.