• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
More than P2.7 million worth of suspected shabu was recovered by the police during a recent buy bust operation in Barangay Junob, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, which also led to the arrest of drug suspect, who is now locked up in jail, and facing charges for violation of RA 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
The apprehension of a certain Empoy, who is classified by the police as a High Value Individual drug personality, led to the confiscation of about 400 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P2,720,000.
Based on police information, the suspect was actively seeking buyers for illegal drugs. In response, the police poseur buyer arranged a meeting with the suspect. Although the parties met during the first scheduled transaction, the sale did not materialize due to insufficient drug supply. The suspect assured them that he would make contact once additional stock became available.
The suspect reached out for a second meeting, during which the sale was completed. Immediately after the consummation of the transaction, operatives swiftly launched the buy-bust operation, resulting in the suspect’s arrest and the confiscation of the illegal drugs.
Two other drug suspects were also nabbed by the police in separate buy bust operations on Sunday in San Enrique and Silay City, Negros Occidental, which led to the recovery of an estimated five grams of suspected shabu, with a market value of P34,000.
In a statement, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional police director of Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region, lauded the accomplishments of the concerned police units, affirming that the operation reflects the regional police office firm resolve to eradicate illegal drugs across the region.
Ibay attributed the successful anti-drug operations through sustained intelligence-driven efforts and community collaboration.*
