By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Police confiscated 800 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 5.44 million from a vendor during a drug bust at Purok Narra Baybay, Barangay 8, on Saturday evening, a day before the conclusion of the 45th MassKara Festival.
The suspect, identified only as “Rico,” was arrested and classified as a high-value individual (HVI) by authorities.
Police Major Eugene Tolentino, head of Police Station 2, said they are still investigating the suspect’s background. The suspect had been on the barangay’s drug watchlist and was under police monitoring since last year before going inactive for a while.
Tolentino explained that the suspect had resumed illegal activities recently, leading to a three-week close surveillance operation before the arrest.
He added that the large quantity of drugs seized suggests that suppliers were cautious about entrusting such amounts, given the numerous arrests of drug personalities in the city.
In addition to the drugs, police recovered PHP 1,000 in marked money and PHP 49,000 in boodle money from the suspect.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said in a press release that the timing of the operation reflected the city’s commitment to ensuring public safety during the MassKara Festival.
The BCPO attributed the success of the operation to its proactive intelligence efforts and cooperation from the community.
“The zero-tolerance stance of our police officers reflects our dedication to eliminating illegal drugs and ensuring a secure festival for everyone,” said Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO director.
This operation adds to the PHP 15.1 million worth of drug recoveries reported by Bacolod police between October 14 and 23, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of illegal drugs during the festival.
Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental, two individuals aged 18 and 20 were arrested in a separate operation for possession of 2,000 grams of suspected marijuana worth PHP 240,000 during a drug bust at Hacienda Najalin, Barangay Nagasi, La Carlota City, on October 22.
