Nocppo seizes PHP 45.4 million illegal drugs in 2025

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office reported a slight increase in illegal drug recoveries in 2025, totaling PHP 45.36 million, up from PHP 42.6 million in 2024.

Police data showed the haul included 6,624.632 grams of shabu valued at about PHP 45 million and 2,659.238 grams of marijuana worth PHP 319,108.56.

Anti-illegal drug operations conducted from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, reached 1,151, resulting in the arrest of 1,447 drug suspects.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, Nocppo spokesperson, said the figures reflected sustained enforcement efforts as the anti-illegal drug campaign continued.

Catalogo said the presence of illegal drugs in the province, particularly in the latter part of 2025, had declined.

He said most illegal drugs entering the province were sourced from other provinces.

“That’s why we do not stop and continue to intensify our anti-illegal drug campaign,” Catalogo said.

Meanwhile, six persons, including a minor, were arrested in a drug bust in Hacienda Bato, Barangay Nanca, EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday.

Authorities seized 140 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 952,000 from a high-value individual, four street-level individuals and a teenager.

Those arrested were “Ron,” 43; “Jen,” 25; and “John,” 22, all residents of Barangay Nanca; “Jol,” 33, of Victorias City; and “Wel,” 36, and a 17-year-old boy, both residents of Silay City.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports that Ron was actively engaged in illegal drug sales in the area.

The information prompted coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for surveillance to validate the report before a possible law enforcement action.

During the operation, authorities encountered the other suspects, who were allegedly transacting with the primary target.

The five adult suspects are detained at the municipal police station, while the minor was placed under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.