Teen student arrested in Bacolod drug bust

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — An 18-year-old senior high school student who reportedly turned to the illegal drug trade to help pay for the medical treatment of his ailing mother was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Taculing here on Wednesday after authorities seized PHP 1.08 million worth of suspected shabu.

Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit apprehended the suspect, identified only as “Bords,” and recovered about 160 grams of suspected shabu.

According to police, the illegal drugs were allegedly obtained from an unidentified individual riding a motorcycle.

Police Lt. Richard Legada, assistant team leader of the CDEU, said the Grade 12 student had no previous drug-related offenses on record.

During the investigation, the suspect reportedly claimed that he became involved in the illegal drug trade last month to help cover the medical expenses of his sick mother.

Legada said the teenager allegedly earned around PHP 1,000 for every five grams of illegal drugs he managed to sell.

Authorities classified him as a high-value individual.

He is detained at Police Station 6 while charges are being prepared.

Under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs are prohibited and carry severe penalties.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said the successful operation was made possible through timely information provided to law enforcement, preventing the illegal drugs from reaching local communities.

The regional police office also urged the public to continue reporting criminal activities through the 911 hotline, emphasizing that community cooperation remains essential in maintaining a safer and drug-free region.