• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A series of anti-drug operations in Negros Occidental on Tuesday and Wednesday, led to the arrest of 24 drug suspects and the seizure of about P480,000 worth of illegal drugs and firearms.
Four of the drug suspects were nabbed on February 11 in Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, which yielded about 40 grams of suspected shabu valued at P272,000, and a 9mm pistol with ammunition.
Simultaneous buy bust operations in Escalante and Sagay cities on the same day led to the apprehension of five drug suspects and the recovery of caliber .38 and 357 revolvers with ammunition, as well as more than P45,000 worth of illegal drugs.
Fifteen other drug suspects, including a businesswoman, were nabbed by the police in the Negros Occidental cities of La Carlota, Cadiz, Silay, Bago, and Talisay, as well as the municipalities of Manapla and Ilog.
The arrests yielded suspected shabu worth P163,000, according to a report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
The 24 drug suspects are now facing charges for violation of RA 9165,known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, while three of them will be charged with illegal possession of firearms.*
