SK councilor among three nabbed in drug sting

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Three people, including a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok Sigay, Barangay 2, on Monday after police confiscated 105 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 714,000.

Police identified the primary target of the operation as alias “Jess,” 19, a resident of Barangay 10.

His companions were identified as SK Kagawad Jov, 23, of Barangay 12, and alias “JM,” 18, of Barangay 9.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), Jess was allegedly involved in illegal drug activities in Barangays 2, 10, and 12 based on prior information received by authorities.

Police operatives conducted casing and surveillance operations to validate the report, and with the assistance of a confidential informant, arranged a drug transaction with the suspect.

During the operation, a police poseur-buyer also encountered the barangay official and the other companion, who were allegedly purchasing the illegal drugs.

Police classified Jess and Jov as high-value individuals, while their companion was tagged as a street-level individual.

The seized drug evidence was submitted to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.

The three suspects are currently under the custody of Police Station 2 and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the operation demonstrated the regional office’s commitment to law enforcement regardless of the position or status of those involved.

“Public officials, high-value individuals, or street-level operators alike will not be spared from accountability,” Ibay said, adding that the police remain committed to protecting communities from the scourge of illegal drugs and ensuring that justice is served swiftly and fairly.

The PRO-NIR also underscored its continued focus on intelligence-driven and lawful enforcement operations that lead to the arrest of drug personalities and the recovery of significant quantities of illegal substances.

“Illegal drugs have no place in our society, and PRO-NIR will continue to act decisively against all violators,” Ibay said.