By Nanette Guadalquiver

DRUG HAUL. An operative of the Bacolod City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit conducts an inventory of the 2.5 kg of shabu worth PHP17 million seized in a buy-bust at Country Homes Subdivision in Barangay Estefania Sunday morning (May 18, 2025). A lone suspect was arrested during the operation. (Photo courtesy of BCPO)

BACOLOD CITY – Anti-drug agents of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) arrested two individuals and seized 3.5 kilograms of shabu worth PHP23.8 million in separate buy-bust operations on Sunday.

At 2:15 a.m., alias “Jom”or “Drake” was apprehended by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) after selling PHP8,000 in shabu to a poseur-buyer at a residence in Country Homes Subdivision, Barangay Estefania.

The suspect yielded about 2.5 kgs of shabu worth PHP17 million, according to the police report.

In a radio interview, BCPO Director Col. Joeresty Coronica said the suspect, 37, was under monitoring for about two months since he moved to Bacolod until the CDEU successfully carried out the buy-bust.

Another operation was conducted at 3:52 a.m. in Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2 that led to the arrest of alias “Robert,” and the recovery of a kilo of shabu valued at PHP6.8 million.

The suspect transacted with an undercover police agent, who offered to buy PHP80,000 worth of shabu, the police report said.

Each gram has a standard drug price of PHP6,800.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are being readied against the suspects.

“The BCPO remains relentless in its war against illegal drugs. These operations demonstrate our strong resolve to keep Bacolod safe and peaceful to live,” Coronica said in a statement. (PNA)