By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – A barangay councilor was arrested on Thursday in a buy-bust operation in Hacienda Pipa, Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental, with PHP 476,000 worth of suspected shabu seized from his possession.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Ranran,” 42, is a first-term kagawad of Barangay Patag and has been classified as a high-value individual by authorities.
Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, head of the Silay Police, said the suspect had been under surveillance since December 2024 following reports of his involvement in illegal drug activities.
Darroca revealed that the Silay Police had been conducting community meetings to warn barangays about illegal drugs. However, the suspect reportedly seldom attended these sessions.
“It’s public knowledge in the barangay that he allegedly influences young people to join the drug trade,” Darroca said.
During the arrest, the suspect initially resisted and denied his involvement in illegal drug activities.
Police recovered 70 grams of suspected shabu, PHP 10,000 in marked money, and a multi-cab from the suspect.
Charges related to the sale and possession of dangerous drugs are being prepared against him.
Meanwhile, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) arrested a 45-year-old man in a separate buy-bust operation in Purok Sigay, Barangay 2, early Friday.
The suspect, identified as “Joseph,” was found with 110 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 748,000.
According to the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), an investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s possible links to other drug networks operating in the city.
Joseph has also been classified as a high-value individual and will face charges for the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
