BACOLOD CITY – Police seized 800 grams of suspected shabu valued at P5.4 million from a vendor in a buy-bust operation in Purok Narra Baybay, Barangay 8 here on Saturday night, Oct. 26.
POLICE arrest a 55-year-old vendor and recovered suspected shabu worth P5.4 million in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 8, Bacolod City on Saturday, Oct. 26. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City Police Office)
The suspect was identified as Rico of Barangay 8, this city. Rico was tagged by the police as a high-value individual in the illegal drugs trade and in the drugs watchlist of the barangay.
Police Major Eugene Tolentino, head of Police Station 2, said that the suspect was placed under monitoring since last year. He said the operation was launched after he was found to be engaged in the illegal drugs trade anew after lying low.
Recovered from Rico were the P1,000 marked money and P49,000 boodle money.
Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, attributed the success of the operation to their proactive intelligence efforts and the cooperation of the community.
“The zero-tolerance stance of our police officers reflects our dedication to getting rid of illegal drugs and ensuring a secure festival for everyone," Coronica said.
“The strategic timing of the operation reflects the city police force’s commitment to bolstering public safety during the MassKara Festival, ensuring that residents and tourists alike can enjoy a safe and drug-free environment.”
Coronica said they have recovered illegal drugs worth P15.1 million from Oct. 14 to 23, thwarting their proliferation during the celebration of the 45th MassKara Festival which is now on its highlight week.
Meanwhile, a man was gunned down in Barangay Tangub here on Saturday, October 26.
Police withheld the name of the victim upon the request of the family for their safety.
Police Capt. Greeky Cayao, head of Police Station 8, said the victim was sitting on a motorcycle waiting for someone when two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects arrived. The back rider approached the victim and shot him in the head and neck and died on the spot.
Recovered from the crime scene were four spent bullet shells and six sachets of suspected shabu weighing 10 grams worth P68,000 inside a pouch from the victim.
He said the victim was arrested for a drug offense in 2018 and was released from jail in 2023 after his case was dismissed.
Police are investigating if the killing is drug-related due to the victim's background.