Gun buy-bust in Bacolod nets P238K worth of ‘shabu’

Police seized a firearm and P238,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation targeting gun-running in Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Kabankalan City Police Station)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A 45-year-old man was apprehended for alleged gun-running activities in Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, last Saturday.

Coincidentally, the suspect, known as “Negro,” was found in possession of 35 grams of suspected shabu valued at P238,000.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Indiape Jr., the city police chief, reported ongoing surveillance of the suspect since January due to tips about his illegal operations.

According to Indiape, the man sold a .38 caliber revolver to an undercover officer for P2,500.

Indiape remarked on the careful timing of the operation, noting the suspect’s tendency to relocate frequently.

The suspect, originally from Luzon, had been residing with relatives of his live-in partner within the province, Indiape noted.

In addition to the firearm, police seized four live .38 caliber rounds and a glass tooter from the suspect.

Indiape recalled that the suspect had previous arrests for robbery and drug offenses. He speculated that the man might have either posted bail or completed his sentence for the robbery charges and opted for a plea bargain concerning his drug-related charges.