BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) seized an estimated P23.8 million worth of suspected shabu in two separate anti-drug operations conducted within the span of a single day on May 18.
Authorities recovered approximately 3,500 grams of the said illegal substance in what the BCPO considers a major blow to the city’s illegal drug trade.
At around 2:15 a.m., operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr., conducted a buy-bust operation at Country Homes Subdivision in Barangay Estefania. The operation resulted in the arrest of a high-value target identified as alias “Jom”, a resident of the area.
Confiscated from the suspect were 2,500 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P17 million.
Later that morning, at around 3:52 a.m., Police Station 2 personnel, led by Police Major Eugene Tolentino, carried out another buy-bust operation at Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2. This led to the arrest of another male suspect, alias “Robert”, a resident of Barangay Villamonte.
He yielded 1,000 grams of suspected shabu valued at around P6.8 million.
Both suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
BCPO director Colonel Joeresty Coronica commended the operatives for their swift action and dedication, emphasizing the unit’s continued commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the city.
“These operations demonstrate our strong resolve to keep Bacolod safe and peaceful. We will continue to pursue those who threaten the peace and well-being of our community,” Coronica said.
The BCPO also called on the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the BCPO’s hotline numbers./PN
