• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Policemen seized P3.4 million worth of suspected shabu in separate buy bust operations on December 22 in Negros Island Region, arresting drug suspects, including one who was previously arrested and released from jail for violation of RA 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
The successful joint buy bust operation of Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office intelligence operatives, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and local police on Monday in Barangay Magatas, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, led to the arrest of alias MacMac, 33, categorized by authorities as a High Value Individual drug personality.
His apprehension yielded an estimated 400 grams of suspected shabu valued at P2,720,000.
Another buy bust operation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office also led to the arrest of alias Watari, 41, who was previously detained and freed from jail for violation of RA 9165, in Purok 4, Brgy. Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City.
His apprehension yielded more or less 100 grams of suspected shabu with a market value of P680,000.
Watari, according to the police, resumed his illegal activities after being released from jail this year.
The arrested drug suspect was monitored by DEU operatives of BCPO to have engaged in selling shabu, and operating in barangays of Singcang Airport, 16, 34, 35 and Tangub, all in Bacolod City.
Two more drug personalities were also nabbed by the police in separate buy bust operations also on Dec. 22 in Kabankalan City and Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, which led to the confiscation of about 7.5 grams of suspected shabu with a market value of P50,800.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region said the series of buy-bust operations indicated a decisive step in intensified fight against illegal drugs, striking at the heart of criminal networks that threaten communities across the region.*
