PRO-NIR seizes PHP 8.5 million in weekend drug busts

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confiscated a total of PHP 8,493,200 worth of suspected shabu in two separate buy-bust operations over the weekend in Negros Oriental and Bacolod City.

In San Jose, Negros Oriental, police operatives seized 1,019 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 6,929,200 in a buy-bust conducted Saturday at Purok 5, Barangay Jilocon.

Arrested was a 33-year-old high-value individual identified by the alias “Basim,” a resident of Barangay Sta. Agueda, Pamplona.

Authorities also recovered from the suspect an S&W caliber .357 revolver loaded with three live .38 mm rounds.

“This is the biggest drug haul of the provincial police force this month,” said Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo).

Polinar said “Basim” had been under police surveillance for months following intelligence reports that he was allegedly distributing illegal drugs in the province’s second district.

He added that investigators are still verifying the suspect’s background, including the origin of the contraband, citing the multiple possible entry points for illegal drugs into the province.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, commended the operating units for their “precision and dedication,” stating that the successful operation reflects the region’s strengthened anti-drug campaign.

He reaffirmed PRO-NIR’s commitment to “cut the supply chain of illegal drugs and ensure safer, drug-free communities across the region.”

In a separate operation on Sunday in Bacolod City, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) seized 230 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 1,564,000 during a buy-bust in Barangay 8.

Arrested was “Gel,” 19, of Barangay 8, who was also classified as a high-value individual.

She is currently detained at Police Station 2.

According to Police Lt. Richard Legada, CDEU assistant head, “Gel” had been listed by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and was allegedly serving as a keeper of illegal drugs.

PRO-NIR said the twin operations underscore its unwavering resolve to pursue drug offenders and dismantle distribution networks that threaten the safety and well-being of communities across the region.