• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR. / GILBERT P. BAYORAN
During heightened anti-drug efforts conducted amidst the New Year celebrations, the Police Regional Office of Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) successfully confiscated over P6 million worth of suspected shabu, covering operations from December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
In a total of 27 anti-drug operations during the period, authorities apprehended 30 suspected drug personalities and seized approximately 1,120.611 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P6,860,694.80.
The highest-profile apprehension was that of alias ‘Melsac,’ a 46-year-old high-value individual who was arrested at Purok 7, Diversion Road, Barangay Batinguel, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, on January 2.
Police recovered from his possession four heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 150 grams, with an estimated market value of P1,020,000.
PRO-NIR Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong confirmed that the suspect had a prior record for selling illegal drugs.
Another High Value Individual drug personality was also arrested on Jan. 5 by operatives of the Drug Enforcement Unit at Purok Magti-ayon in Brgy. 10, Bacolod City.
The apprehension of alias Jan led to the confiscation of about 115 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P782,000, according to a report of the PRO-NIR.
In addition to drug enforcement, authorities conducted 30 anti-illegal firearms operations during the same period.
These efforts resulted in the recovery of 15 registered firearms, 22 firearms surrendered by owners, and confiscation of 6 loose firearms. Police also seized 3 illegal explosives.
Furthermore, in their ongoing campaign against wanted persons, PRO-NIR served warrants of arrest on three regional-level most wanted individuals and an additional 23 other wanted suspects.*
