• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
In an intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) successfully carried out a buy-bust operation at Purok 5, Barangay Jilocon, San Jose, Negros Oriental on Saturday, which led to the seizure of P6,929,200 worth of suspected shabu.
The anti-drug operation conducted by Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) and San Jose Municipal Police Station apprehended the high-value individual alias ‘Basim,’ 33, and a resident of Brgy. Sta. Agueda, Pamplona town in Negros Oriental.
Police recovered from the suspect’s possession 3 large-sized and 25 medium-sized heat-sealed transparent plastic bags of suspected shabu weighing more or less 1019 grams.
A .357 caliber revolver without a serial number loaded with three live ammunition and a motorcycle allegedly used for illegal drug trading were also confiscated.
Police said that the operation was carried out after information from a confidential informant indicated that the subject was actively engaged in the sale and distribution of illegal drugs and was allegedly in possession of a firearm used during the transactions.
Acting on the information, the police successfully collared the suspect.
Police Regional Director PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, in a statement, commended the operating units for their precision and dedication, emphasizing that the outcome of the operation reflects the region’s strengthened anti-drug efforts.
The confiscated drug evidence was submitted to the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination, while the non-drug evidence remains in the custody of NORPPO.
The suspect will face criminal charges in violation of sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for selling and using illegal drugs.
Police urge the public to remain vigilant and to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious individuals or activities in their areas.*
