By Mary Judaline Partlow

SEIZED. Police in Negros Oriental confiscated some PHP6.8 million “shabu” during a buy-bust operation in Dumaguete City, on Thursday (May 1, 2025). The police have yet to determine whether a drug syndicate is operating in the province given the rising volume of “shabu” seized in the past months. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Authorities seized nearly PHP7 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two suspects in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camanjac early Thursday.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), identified the suspects as “Gege,” 37, and “Jeb-jeb,” 22, both residents of Sitio Tuwang in Pamplona town.

They were caught selling suspected shabu to an undercover operative at Purok Makiangahon.

Police recovered around 1,000 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP6.8 million.

Both suspects are tagged as high-value individuals on the police’s drug watchlist.

This marks the third major drug bust in the province this week.

Authorities are now investigating the possible presence of a drug syndicate operating in Negros Oriental following the spike in large-scale seizures. (PNA)