BACOLOD City — Police arrested three individuals and seized approximately P408,000 worth of suspected shabu and four homemade firearms in a buy-bust operation in Zone 1, Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City, on August 25.
The operation was conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office (CDEU-BCPO), with support from the Regional Intelligence Unit-Negros Island Region, Criminal Investigation Unit of BCPO and Police Station 10.
Arrested were a 34-year-old man identified by the police as alias “Noy,” whom authorities described as a high-value individual, and two alleged street-level individuals identified as alias “Mel,” 31, and alias “Bal,” 32. Both “Mel” and “Bal” are residents of Barangay Handumanan.
Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P408,000.
Also seized were a homemade .45-caliber firearm loaded with seven live rounds; three homemade .38-caliber firearms loaded with a total of four live rounds; and a .45-caliber magazine containing seven live rounds. Police also recovered the P1,000 buy-bust money.
The seized items were marked, inventoried and documented in accordance with established procedures.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant who reported that “Noy” was allegedly involved in the sale of illegal drugs and possessed firearms reportedly acquired from customers.
Police conducted casing and surveillance operations to verify the information before proceeding with the operation.
According to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), “Noy” allegedly agreed to sell shabu to a police poseur-buyer, with the transaction facilitated by the confidential informant.
Police also said residents had reported the frequent presence of unfamiliar motorcycles and individuals entering and leaving the area, including during early morning hours. Authorities likewise received reports that “Noy” allegedly caused alarm and scandal while intoxicated.
The three suspects remain under the custody of Police Station 10 as authorities prepare charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño said the operation reflects the police force’s continuing efforts to address illegal drugs and loose firearms in communities across Negros Island.
He said police will continue to act on credible information and strengthen coordination among law enforcement units.
“Our message is clear: we will not allow illegal drugs and firearms to take root in our communities. PRO NIR will remain vigilant, relentless, and committed to protecting the people of Negros Island,” Cardiño said.
The PRO-NIR said it will continue its campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms and other threats to public safety through intelligence gathering, inter-unit coordination and decisive police action./PN
