• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A total of 108.6 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P738,480, were confiscated from a high-value individual during an intelligence-driven buy-bust operation Sept. 14 in Purok 1, Barangay Balugo, Valencia, Negros Oriental.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the operation resulted in the arrest of alias “Dondon”, 42, of Barangay Cadawinonan, Dumaguete City.
Authorities seized eight heat-sealed plastic sachets of varying sizes, all filled with suspected shabu, alongside an improvised glass tooter, a cellphone, a bag, a Suzuki motorcycle, and P10,000 in genuine and bogus marked buy-bust money.
Police intelligence revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained the supply of shabu through a dead-drop arrangement before distributing it to clients across Dumaguete City, Bacong, Sibulan, and Valencia, all in Negros Oriental.
The suspect remains in custody at the Valencia Municipal Police Station, and facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“Crime prevention calls for proactive action and strong community partnership. Every operation that keeps illegal drugs away from our communities is a step toward keeping our people safe,” PRO-NIR director, P/BGen. Rudecindo Reales, said in a statement.
“We will continue to serve with determination, professionalism, and respect for the law and due process,” he added.
The joint operation was executed by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit/Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, with support from the Valencia MPS, and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. | TMD
