By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Authorities arrested 10 individuals and seized PHP2.41 million worth of suspected shabu and several loose firearms in this city and four towns in Negros Occidental from March 21 to 24.
The Bacolod City Police Office recorded the largest drug haul, confiscating PHP1.53 million worth of illegal drugs and arresting three suspects in separate buy-bust operations in Barangays 9 and Tangub on March 21.
Police Station 2 personnel recovered 125 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP850,000 from a 22-year-old resident of Barangay Vista Alegre.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office 6, said in a statement that the operation marked a significant victory in the continuing campaign against illegal drugs.
He credited community members for providing valuable information and urged continued public support for the police’s anti-drug and peacekeeping efforts.
Wanky said the results reflect the commitment of police personnel to protect communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.
Police Capt. Greeky Cayao, head of Police Station 8, said they also seized PHP680,000 worth of suspected shabu from two former drug offenders in a buy-bust in Barangay Tangub.
In E.B. Magalona town, four individuals, including two teenagers aged 18 and 19, were arrested in a drug bust led by Police Maj. Eric Doronilla in Barangay Nanca that same day.
Police recovered 50 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP340,000 and also served a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against one suspect.
Also confiscated were an improvised tooter, a .38-caliber revolver, and three rounds of ammunition.
In Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia town, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested a 44-year-old man and seized 50 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP340,000.
On March 22, a 60-year-old man was arrested during a drug raid in Barangay Poblacion, San Enrique town, while his companion managed to escape.
Police recovered 18 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP122,400.
On March 24, a 37-year-old resident of Barangay Banquerohan was arrested in a gun raid.
Recovered from him were a .38-caliber revolver with two rounds of ammunition, a .22 magnum revolver with two rounds, a .357 magnum revolver with four rounds, and 12 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP81,600.
