PHP 748,000 shabu seized from couple

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Police arrested a regional-level high-value individual and his live-in partner during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 5, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday, according to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region.

The operation led to the seizure of about 110 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 748,000 from alias “Popi” or “Paupee,” 43, a helper and resident of Barangay 21, and his partner, alias “Mar,” 39, of Barangay 5.

Police said “Popi” was ranked 19th on the regional list of drug personalities and classified as a regional-level high-value individual, while his companion was tagged as a street-level individual.

Authorities said “Popi” had been the subject of attempted buy-bust operations in 2024 and 2025, but those transactions were not completed due to his vigilance and evasive behavior.

Based on intelligence gathered by the Victorias City Police Station, investigators believe the couple conspired in illegal drug activities.

Police also recovered drug paraphernalia, including a straw scoop and an improvised tooter, along with PHP 1,000 in marked money.

The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region said it remains relentless, resolute, and uncompromising in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Police said there will be no sanctuary and no tolerance for individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, as operations continue to be strengthened to dismantle criminal networks, protect communities, and maintain peace and order across the region.