Bacolod city: A 19-year-old male suspect was arrested in a buy-bust that led to the recovery of PHP2.176 million in shabu at Purok Tahong, Barangay 2 here Sunday, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said in a report. At around 2:30 a.m., alias "Nash" sold a sachet of shabu worth PHP1,000 to an undercover policeman of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).

According to Philippines News Agency, operatives seized from his possession six heat-sealed plastic sachets and four knot-tied plastic bags containing shabu weighing 320 grams, based on the inventory report. Each gram of shabu is pegged at PHP6,800. The suspect, who is detained at Police Station 2, will be charged for violation of Article 2, Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

BCPO Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia emphasized the ongoing efforts against illegal drugs and criminality, stating, "Our message is clear. We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality. We will not stop until those who violate the law are brought before the courts and our communities remain safe."

The latest operation follows the BCPO's report on Saturday regarding the recovery of 11.17 kilograms of shabu valued at PHP75.9 million since January this year. From January 1 to May 30, the BCPO conducted 269 anti-illegal drug operations, arrested 319 individuals, and filed 451 cases. Among those arrested were 235 drug pushers, 82 drug users, and two minors.

On May 19, operatives of BCPO-CDEU seized 4.2 kilograms of shabu worth PHP28.56 million from a woman during a buy-bust in Purok Fatima, Islamic Center, Barangay 31. This operation marked the largest shabu haul of the police anti-drug operatives here since 2023.