• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) intensified its campaign against illegal drugs, recovering more than P700,000 worth of suspected shabu and arresting two drug personalities in Ditching Subdivision, Barangay 5, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.
The suspects were identified as a 43-year-old helper alias Popi, from Villa Cristina, Barangay 21, Victorias City, whom police tagged as a high-value individual at the regional level, and alias Mar, 39, a resident of the same area.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of eight sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 110 grams, with an estimated street value of P748,000.
Police said that the primary suspect had previously been the subject of buy-bust operations in 2024 and 2025; however, these transactions were not consummated due to the suspect’s vigilance and evasive behavior.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the suspect, which led to his eventual apprehension.
The seized evidence was properly inventoried in accordance with standard procedures and submitted to the Negros Occidental Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination. Both suspects remain in police custody.
They will face criminal charges for violation of RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
“There will be no sanctuary and no tolerance for individuals involved in the illegal drug trade. Law enforcement operations are continuously strengthened to dismantle criminal networks, protect communities, enforce peace and order, and safeguard public safety across the Negros Island Region,” PRO-NIR emphasized in their statement.*
