Bacolod: Drug enforcement teams of the Bacolod City Police Office seized PHP9.11 million worth of shabu in two weeks of operations since the start of the 46th MassKara Festival on Oct. 1. Data showed that from Oct. 1 to 14, a total of 1,340 grams of shabu were recovered in 20 operations, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals. Each gram of shabu is pegged at PHP6,800.
According to Philippines News Agency, the latest operation of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) on Tuesday night yielded 60 grams of shabu, leading to the arrest of alias ‘Pel,’ a 33-year-old tricycle driver, at Purok San Roque 1, Barangay Handumanan. In a statement, Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, said these operations are part of the strengthened security measures ahead of the highlights of the MassKara Festival set on Oct. 17 to 19. He added that PRO-NIR will continue to uphold its mandate to protect the people of the region and preserve the spirit of celebration through peace, order, and public safety.
On Oct. 8, the CDEU arrested eight persons and recovered PHP1.36 million in shabu during a buy-bust at a residence in Purok Tahong, Barangay 2. Three buy-busts on Oct. 2 led to the apprehension of five individuals and the recovery of PHP3.536 million in shabu, while on Oct. 1, a lone suspect was intercepted at a checkpoint and was found possessing 220 grams of shabu valued at PHP1.5 million.