Police in Negros Oriental seized about 4,000 grams of suspected shabu, worth P27.2 million, from a high-value individual (HVI) listed in the drug watchlist, during an anti-drug operation at around 6:04 a.m. April 9, in Purok 6, Barangay Maslog, Sibulan town.
The suspect was identified as Elgin Caday Rodriguez, 50, of Barangay 2 in Bais City, Negros Oriental. Lt. Stephen Polinar, NOPPO spokesperson, told the Philippine News Agency that the operation stemmed from “lengthy intelligence efforts” targeting the suspect.
Also seized from the suspect were a backpack, a cellular phone, and P100,000 in buy-bust money, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office said, adding that the operation was led by P/Captain Jebert Baroy, chief of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, under the supervision of Lt. Col. Florendo Fajardo, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the “shabu” and its source, Polinar said.
The Police Regional Office 7 earlier said that illegal drugs, valued at P269.3 million, were seized during the first quarter of 2025, adding this underscored their stringent zero-tolerance policy against drug-related activities.
From January 1 to March 31, law enforcement efforts resulted in the confiscation of 39,614.18 grams of shabu, worth P269,376,424, and marijuana plants and dried leaves, valued at 184,914, the police said.
The drug haul was the result of 2,171 operations across the region, including in Negros Oriental, and led to the arrest of 2,481 individuals, including 151 high-value targets, 1,635 street-level dealers, and 695 newly-identified drug suspects.
P/Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, PRO7 director, said that the success of these operations is due to a comprehensive peace and order operational strategy, including strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies, effective intelligence deployment, and active community involvement.
“This comprehensive strategy has been carefully developed not only to address and dismantle illegal drug networks, but also to strengthen public safety and security, and promote the health and well-being of our community,” Maranan stressed. ||
