P2.3-M ‘shabu,’ loose firearms seized

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY—Police are investigating whether two individuals arrested for illegal possession of drugs and firearms in Barrio Dos, Barangay Guadalupe, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, last Saturday have links to a mall heist in the city last month.

The suspects, a 29-year-old construction worker from Calatrava town and a 37-year-old resident of Sagay City, were arrested during the operation.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nazer Canja, San Carlos police chief, reported that the suspects were spotted acting suspiciously in the area while intelligence operatives were conducting validation on the possible presence of suspects involved in the mall heist.

“When approached by the police to confirm their identities, the suspects allegedly attempted to draw a firearm, which prompted their arrest,” Canja said.

Seized from the suspects were a Caspian .45-caliber pistol, two steel magazines, each loaded with five rounds of ammunition, and a Colt .45-caliber pistol.

Upon verification, the firearms were found to be unlicensed. Both suspects will face charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Additionally, authorities confiscated 343.7 grams of suspected shabu valued at P2,337,160 from the older suspect, who will also be charged with illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

Canja noted that police are investigating the suspects’ backgrounds to determine if they have previous offenses.

The suspects claimed they were in San Carlos City to buy seafood products and were armed for protection. However, police suspect their business transaction was merely a front.

The police are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators who robbed San Carlos City’s largest mall on August 19, taking P1.4 million worth of cash, tools, and assorted jewelry.

“We are checking if there’s any connection or if they were involved,” Canja added.