BACOLOD City — Police authorities in the Negros Island Region (NIR) seized more than P5.5 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a 19-year-old high-value drug suspect during a buy-bust operation in Manapla, Negros Occidental, on June 20.
The operation, conducted in Hacienda Busay, Barangay Punta Mesa, led to the arrest of alias “Jay Em,” a resident of Barangay 1-B, Manapla.
Confiscated during the operation were approximately 820 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P5.576 million, according to the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
Authorities recovered one sachet of suspected shabu sold to an undercover operative, along with 27 additional sachets and plastic bags containing the illegal substance believed intended for distribution.
Police also seized buy-bust money, including marked and boodle bills, P20,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and a motorcycle.
The operation was carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) of PRO-NIR, with assistance from the Regional Special Operations Group and the Manapla Municipal Police Station.
Police said the operation stemmed from validated intelligence reports linking the suspect to illegal drug activities in the area.
The suspect is now under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Police Brig. Gen. Romano B. Cardiño, acting director of PRO-NIR, commended the operating units for the successful operation, describing the seizure as a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the region.
“This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal drug networks and holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities,” Cardiño said.
PRO-NIR reiterated its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven anti-illegal drug operations and urged the public to support law enforcement by reporting criminal activities through the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program.
Meanwhile, PRO-NIR officially launched the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program in Negros Occidental on June 19 during a ceremony at the Talisay City Public Plaza in Talisay City.
Cardiño said the provincial rollout underscores the regional police office’s commitment to making police services more accessible, responsive, and community-centered.
The program, one of Cardiño’s flagship initiatives, is designed as an integrated emergency response system to ensure that calls for police assistance are promptly received, efficiently coordinated, and immediately acted upon.
He said the initiative aims to improve emergency response time, strengthen collaboration with local government units and community stakeholders, and enhance public trust in law enforcement.
“SAFE NIR Dial 911 is not merely a hotline or communication platform. It is a symbol of our commitment to be present when the people need us most. Those moments define our duty and identity as public servants,” Cardiño said.
With the official launch of SAFE NIR Dial 911 in Negros Occidental, PRO-NIR hopes to further strengthen public safety through innovation, responsive policing, and stronger community partnerships.
Earlier, the Bacolod City Police Office also launched the SAFE NIR Dial 911 Program as part of the regionwide implementation of the emergency response initiative./PN
