Supply for Panaad festival? P1.4-M ‘shabu’ seized

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here is strengthening its monitoring against illegal activities, particularly illegal drugs, in preparation for the return of the Panaad sa Negros festival in April.

This, after the provincial police force recorded its biggest drug haul this year with the seizure of 216 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,469,276.

The alleged drugs were seized from a young man in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 6, San Carlos City last Monday.

The subject was identified as Mark John Quijano, 23, of Barangay 6, a high-value individual, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Mesahon, city police chief.

Mesahon said they monitored Quijano for two weeks after other suspected drug peddlers, who were previously arrested, mentioned his name.

Meanwhile, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, Nocppo’s public information officer, said a big supply of illegal drugs enters the province if there are upcoming events or festivities.

Catalogo cited the confiscation of P21 million worth of suspected shabu in Silay City last year, which were believed to be distributed during the celebration of Masskara Festival here.

“Just like policemen who are preparing security measures for the festivities, ga sabay man na sila (drug suspects) sa ila nga preparations para mag baligya (illegal drugs),” he added.

Catalogo said that drug personalities see an opportunity to sell illegal drugs during big festivities as the demand is high due to the influx of people. “Ginagamit nila ang merry-making to cover-up sa pagbaligya,” he added.

The recovered illegal drugs in San Carlos City were believed to be sourced outside the province, considering its packaging which is similar to those that were previously seized in buy-bust operations.

Some of the illegal drugs recovered from Quijano were sealed in Chinese tea packaging.

Catalogo, however, refused to provide more details, as they are conducting a follow-up operation.