By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Police seized PHP1,149,200 worth of suspected shabu and arrested four individuals, including a couple, in separate operations in Negros Occidental on Friday and Sunday.
In E.B. Magalona town, 57-year-old “Ramy Sr.” was arrested, while his two sons escaped during a buy-bust operation and gun raid at their residence in Barangay Nanca on Friday.
Police Maj. Eric Doronilla, chief of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, said authorities validated reports on the family’s alleged involvement in illegal drug activities, which led to the operation.
Doronilla said the three suspects were targeted for possession of 80 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP544,000.
He said the sons fled after sensing a police operative during the transaction.
Ramy allegedly refused to disclose the origin of the seized contraband, which remains under investigation.
Following the drug bust, police served a search warrant for illegal firearms and recovered a .38 caliber revolver and four rounds of ammunition from Ramy.
Doronilla said the warrant was issued after reports of alleged threats and community concern over Ramy’s possession of a firearm.
Despite the sons’ escape, Doronilla said drug charges will still be filed against them.
Ramy, tagged as a high-value individual, will face additional charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
In Barangay 7, Victorias City, a 34-year-old woman was arrested on Friday after allegedly yielding 25 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP170,000 during a buy-bust operation.
Police also recovered two bamboo tongs and an improvised straw scoop from the suspect.
On Sunday, a couple was arrested in Barangay Lopez Jaena, Sagay City, after allegedly selling 64 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP435,200.
Police Lt. Col. Alvimar Flores, chief of the Sagay Component City Police Station, identified the suspects as “Junjun,” 42, and his live-in partner “Tata,” 48, both residents of Talisay City.
Flores said the couple had been staying with relatives in Toboso town to lie low following intensified anti-drug operations in Talisay.
He said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly distributing illegal drugs in Sagay City.
Authorities are also checking the couple’s background for possible prior offenses.
In Barangay Patag, Silay City, four individuals were arrested in a drug bust on April 9, which resulted in the recovery of 20 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP136,000.
In Murcia town, a 44-year-old farmer was also arrested in Barangay Minoyan, with 20 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP136,000.
Police recovered a .38 caliber revolver and five rounds of ammunition from the suspect.
