Nearly P1 million worth of ‘shabu’ confiscated, four persons arrested

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Law enforcement authorities in Negros Occidental have arrested four individuals, including two minors, in two separate cities, resulting in the seizure of approximately P999,600 worth of suspected shabu on March 4 and 5.

In Silay City, a buy-bust operation on March 5 led to the arrest of 35-year-old Ronilo Santillan Jr. from Barangay E. Lopez.

The operation allegedly uncovered 112 grams of suspected shabu valued at P761,600.

Silay City police chief Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca reported that Santillan, who resisted arrest, had been under surveillance for several months after community tip-offs.

Darroca added that Santillan is the brother of Ryan Santillan, 37, who was previously detained in E.B. Magalona for a gun raid on February 21, where authorities also reportedly found P612,000 worth of suspected shabu.

Meanwhile, Kabankalan City’s Barangay 9 was the scene of another bust on March 4, where police apprehended 46-year-old Rogie Tia and two 17-year-old minors.

During this operation, 35 grams of suspected shabu worth P238,000 were seized. One minor allegedly colluded with Tia in selling a sachet of the illicit drug to an undercover agent.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Indiape Jr., Kabankalan City’s police chief, mentioned that Tia had been a person of interest for some time due to community complaints about his suspected illegal activities.

The minors, one a student, were allegedly found using illegal drugs in Tia’s residence.

Tia, with a prior arrest record for drug-related charges, had previously been released through plea bargaining.

A .22 caliber revolver with ammunition, two digital weighing scales, P2,030 in cash, two improvised glass tooters, and a plastic straw scoop were among the items confiscated from the suspects.

The two minors are currently under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as authorities determine whether to press drug-related charges. Meanwhile, Tia is facing charges for drug offenses and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.