By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities arrested three alleged drug pushers in separate operations during Holy Week, confiscating a total of PHP1.564 million worth of suspected shabu.
On Thursday, April 17, police seized approximately 150 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP1.020 million from a 30-year-old woman identified as “Erika” in a buy-bust operation in Purok Narra Baybay, Barangay 8.
Also arrested were her mother, “Rolinda,” 59, and two alleged drug runners—”Sherwin,” 49, of Barangay Singcang-Airport, and “Xerxes,” 55, of Barangay Mansilingan.
Police Maj. Eugene Tolentino, head of Police Station 2, said Erika was the target of the operation and was listed on the barangay’s drug watchlist.
He added that Erika’s two former partners had previously been arrested for drug-related offenses, and she was classified as a high-value individual.
Tolentino said the illegal drugs recovered were sourced from outside Negros Occidental and remain under investigation.
On Saturday, April 19, operatives from the City Drug Enforcement Unit arrested 32-year-old “Toto” in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Estefania, where he was temporarily residing.
The suspect, a resident of Barangay 19, was allegedly caught with 65 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP442,000.
Police Lt. Richard Legada, assistant chief of CDEU, said Toto was previously arrested for theft in 2023.
In a separate operation, a 21-year-old man was apprehended by personnel from Police Station 1 in Barangay 14 for possession of suspected shabu worth PHP102,000.
Drug charges against all six suspects are set to be filed on Monday, April 21.
The Bacolod City Police Office continues to intensify its anti-drug campaign in close coordination with the community and concerned government agencies to ensure public safety.