A 23-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ibabao, Siquijor, Siquijor on Monday, July 14. (Photo via PDEA-NIR FB)
BACOLOD CITY – The newly-established Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) kicked off its anti-illegal drug campaign with the arrest of a barangay official in Siquijor.
The suspect, a 23-year-old Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor from Barangay Tignao, Lazi town, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation on Monday, July 14, in Barangay Ibabao, Siquijor municipality.
Authorities recovered two sachets of suspected shabu from the suspect tagged as a high-value target.
The suspect was detained at the Siquijor Municipal Police Station and faces charges for sale and possession of illegal drugs.
The operation formally activated the PDEA-NIR led by acting Regional Director Melvin Estoque.
In a statement, PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez emphasized the agency’s renewed commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal drugs in the region.
“The opening of PDEA-NIR will further accelerate and improve the delivery of our services in the region,” Nerez said.
This promotes a strong regional presence to optimize productivity and maximize efficiency in safeguarding our Negrense people from the threats of illegal drugs, he added.
PDEA-NIR operates within Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor, unless otherwise authorized to operate outside its jurisdiction.