• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A high-value individual (HVI) managed to slip past police operatives during a buy-bust operation that netted P408,000 worth of suspected shabu in Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City, Oct. 9.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said that alias “Ta”, 37, of Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, and temporarily residing in the area, managed to evade arrest during the raid and remains at-large, as of press time.
But City Drug Enforcement Unit operatives arrested his cohort, a 53-year-old resident, and recovered a firearm along with live ammunition at the scene alongside roughly 60 grams of suspected shabu, the police said.
The operation is part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign during the Masskara Festival celebration, it added.
“Public celebrations must never become an opportunity for criminal activity. We will remain firm and relentless in going after those who threaten public safety,” PRO-NIR director, P/Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, said in a statement.
“Our operations will continue with discipline, determination, and respect for the law, ensuring that those who violate it are held accountable, while protecting the rights of every individual,” he added.
The suspect is in the custody of Police Station 2 and facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10591, for gun possession. | TMD
