Manila: Police teams arrested three suspects in separate buy-bust operations that yielded PHP5.34 million worth of suspected shabu in two cities in Negros Occidental over the weekend, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported.

According to Philippines News Agency, in Bacolod City, operatives from Police Station 1 seized PHP2.38 million worth of the illegal drug from a suspect known as 'Jo', aged 21, early Sunday morning along Palanca Road. The PRO-NIR reported that surveillance operations indicated he is a virtual assistant allegedly distributing illegal drugs to customers in various barangays in Bacolod City. Charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against him.

On Friday, the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a sting operation at the residence of 'Yur' in Barangay Alijis, resulting in the seizure of 100 grams of shabu valued at PHP680,000. The suspect, previously arrested for a drug-related offense as a minor in 2023, was transferred to Police Station 7 for new charges to be filed.

In a separate operation in San Carlos City, police apprehended 27-year-old store owner 'Ry' on Friday night. The operation uncovered 335.87 grams of shabu worth PHP2.283 million. The PRO-NIR reported that 'Ry' allegedly used his sari-sari store as a front for illegal activities.