BACOLOD City — Police arrested four suspected drug personalities and seized approximately 131 grams of suspected shabu worth P890,800 in separate buy-bust operations in Kabankalan and San Carlos cities, Negros Occidental on October 22 and 23.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported that two suspects were arrested in each operation.
In Kabankalan City, police arrested a 42-year-old high-value individual (HVI), identified only as alias “Tata,” and a 73-year-old farmer, alias “Ali,” during an operation in Purok Paghidaet, Barangay Tagukon, at around 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 22.
Authorities seized approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at P408,000 based on the standard drug price.
Police said the operation followed intelligence reports alleging that the suspects were involved in illegal drug distribution. Investigators conducted validation and monitoring before carrying out the entrapment operation.
The 42-year-old suspect was reportedly listed by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council and had been arrested twice previously, according to police.
In San Carlos City, authorities arrested alias “Ron,” 43, and alias “Cal,” 41, both unemployed residents of Campo Siete, Barangay 5, during a buy-bust operation at around 2:10 p.m. on Oct. 23.
Police recovered approximately 71 grams of suspected shabu valued at P482,800.
Investigators said the operation stemmed from reports that the two suspects were allegedly selling illegal drugs in several areas of Barangay 5. Police conducted surveillance and monitoring before proceeding with the operation.
Authorities said the suspects in both operations were arrested after allegedly handing sachets of suspected shabu to poseur-buyers in exchange for marked money.
Two body-worn cameras were used during each operation. Police also said the inventory of seized items in Kabankalan was conducted in accordance with Section 21 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
All four suspects remain in police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.
PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales said police would continue intelligence-driven operations against illegal drugs while ensuring compliance with legal procedures.
The alleged involvement of the suspects in illegal drug activities has yet to be established in court. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
