PHP 2.7 million shabu seized in Sibulan drug bust

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police arrested a 33-year-old alleged high-value individual and seized PHP 2.72 million (USD 48,100.89) worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Magatas, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Dec. 22, 2025.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Macmac,” is a native of Poblacion, Manjuyod, and currently resides in North Poblacion, Valencia, Negros Oriental.

The anti-drug operation was carried out by the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PIU/PDEU) of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Negros Oriental Provincial Office and the Sibulan Municipal Police Station.

According to police, the operation was based on intelligence gathered from a confidential informant, which was validated prior to arranging the sting.

During the buy-bust transaction, police arrested the suspect after he allegedly sold the illegal substance.

Recovered from the suspect were 11 sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 400 grams, including:

• One small-sized self-sealing sachet
• Three medium-sized heat-sealed sachets
• Three large-sized heat-sealed sachets
• Four additional small-sized sachets

Authorities also confiscated a PHP 1,000 (USD 17.68) genuine bill with 12 counterfeit PHP 1,000 bills used as marked money, a Redmi touchscreen mobile phone, and a black Penshoppe sling bag.

The seized items were documented on-site using body-worn cameras and were inventoried in the presence of the suspect and barangay witnesses.

The suspected shabu was turned over to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory testing, while other evidence remains with the PIU/PDEU.

Police said the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and the Anti-Torture Law in a language he understood.

He is currently detained at the Sibulan Municipal Police Station and faces charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“This operation marks a decisive step in PRO NIR’s intensified fight against illegal drugs, striking at the heart of criminal networks that threaten communities across the Negros Island Region,” the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said in a statement.

PRO-NIR reaffirmed its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and coordinated law enforcement, adding that it will continue to pursue drug traffickers to safeguard public safety and maintain community trust.

“Standing firm against criminality, PRO-NIR sends a clear message: those who threaten peace and security will be pursued relentlessly and held accountable,” it added.