Ex-soldier arrested with PHP346,800 worth of shabu

By Glazyl M. Jopson

A 44-year-old former soldier was arrested in a buy-bust operation that yielded 51 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 346,800 in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City, on Friday.

Police identified the suspect as “Jiljil,” a resident of Barangay 3, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, and temporarily residing in Barangay 19, Bacolod City.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has tagged the suspect as a high-value individual.

Police Lt. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said the suspect had gone absent without official leave (AWOL) and that investigators are still verifying his background.

The operation was conducted following intelligence reports on his alleged illegal activities, according to PRO-NIR.

He will be charged with the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.

With continued strategic operations and focused law enforcement, PRO-NIR vowed to intensify its mission to disrupt the supply chain of illegal drugs.

“Those who engage in the drug trade will be relentlessly pursued, held accountable, and removed from our streets to protect the future of Negros Island and Siquijor,” said Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director.

This follows the recent apprehension of a dismissed policewoman in Sagay City, which resulted in the confiscation of PHP 306,000 worth of suspected shabu.

The operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign to curb the spread of illegal drugs across the region.