Negros cops seize PHP 11.8 million in drugs

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region seized PHP 11.8 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested six people, including a teenager and a Grade 11 student, in separate anti-drug operations in Bacolod City and the Negros provinces from June 18 to 21.

The biggest drug haul was reported Saturday in Manapla, Negros Occidental, where authorities arrested a 19-year-old man who allegedly yielded 820 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 5.57 million.

The operation was carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Barangay Punta Mesa.

The suspect, identified only as “Jay Em,” a resident of Barangay 1B, was tagged by authorities as a high-value individual.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO-NIR spokesperson, said police are investigating the suspect’s background, including his source, given the large volume of drugs recovered.

The following day, another high-value individual, a 21-year-old Grade 11 student, was arrested after authorities confiscated 300 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 2.04 million in Purok Nami-Nami, Barangay Banago, Bacolod City.

The operation, conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit, resulted in the arrest of the student, who was reportedly active in the sale of illegal drugs in the area, nearby barangays, and other cities in Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Richard Legada, assistant CDEU team leader, said the suspect started as an alleged illegal drug merchandiser in 2024 and became an alleged courier this year.

Legada said the suspect would reportedly deliver the contraband to designated areas based on instructions from a Tagalog-speaking contact through a cellphone.

He added that poverty drove the suspect to allegedly join the illegal activity, especially because of the large amount he gained from the transactions.

On June 18, a 31-year-old man from Zamboanga City was arrested in Barangay Liptong, Valencia, Negros Oriental, after authorities seized 511 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 3,474,800.

The suspect was identified only as “Gerick” and was also classified by police as a high-value individual.

On June 19, a 40-year-old woman was caught with 51 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 346,800 in Magsungay, Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.

The operation, led by Police Station 8, resulted in the arrest of the suspect identified only as “Jack,” who was allegedly involved in illegal drug activities in the area.

Police also tagged her as a high-value individual.

On the same day, two street-level individuals were arrested by Police Station 2 after authorities seized 55 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 374,000 in Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2, Bacolod City.

Those arrested were alias “Rey,” 32, and alias “Pal,” 23, both residents of Barangay Singcang-Airport.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting regional director of PRO-NIR, said operations like these send a clear message that PRO-NIR remains relentless in its campaign against illegal drugs.

“We will continue to pursue those involved in the drug trade and strengthen our partnership with the community to preserve peace, order, and public safety across the region,” he added.

Cardiño commended the operating units for the successful operations, saying every successful anti-drug operation is a step toward safer communities.

He encouraged the public to immediately report illegal drug activities and other criminal incidents through the 911 hotline and to remain vigilant.