• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A 33-year-old man, classified as a high-value individual, allegedly used his wife’s sari-sari store as front for selling illegal drugs, and was arrested with P720,800 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Maslog, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, Oct. 7.
Alias “Opao”, of Barangay Bagacay, Dumaguete City, was nabbed with 106 grams of suspected shabu, including the buy-bust item.
The operation was conducted by joint operatives from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Maritime Police, and the Sibulan Municipal Police Station at around 1:04 a.m. yesterday in Purok 7 following a tip from a confidential informant.
Police validation revealed that the suspect met and sold drugs to buyers in front of his wife’s sari-sari store.
“Every gram of illegal drugs taken off the streets means one less threat to the safety and the well-being of our communities,” Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region director, P/Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, said in a statement.
“We will remain firm in pursuing those who violate the law while ensuring that every operation respects the due process and the rights of every individual,” he added.
“Opao” is under the custody of the Sibulan Police and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. | TMD
