• THERESA MAE DULMAN
An anti-illegal drug operation led to the arrest of a high-value individual (HVI) and the confiscation of around P374,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, Aug. 29.
Intelligence operatives of the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station executed a court-issued search warrant against alias “Flo”, 42, an unemployed resident of the area.
During the search, police seized roughly 55 grams of suspected shabu in one knot-tied transparent plastic sachet and five heat-sealed plastic sachets, alongside an improvised tooter and various repacking paraphernalia from the suspect’s possession.
Police tagged “Flo” as an HVI due to his active involvement in local drug distribution.
The operation was initiated following a tip from a confidential informant regarding the suspect’s illegal activities.
“A test-buy operation was also carried out, which confirmed the suspect’s involvement in illegal drug activities,” the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said.
The seized illegal drugs will be submitted to the Negros Occidental Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
The suspect remains under police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This operation demonstrates that timely intelligence, thorough police work, and decisive action are essential in disrupting the activities of individuals involved in the illegal drug trade,” PRO-NIR director, P/BGen. Romano Cardiño, said.
“The recovery of a significant quantity of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia reflects our continuing resolve to prevent illegal drugs from reaching our communities,” he added. | TMD
