Manila: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) confiscated nearly PHP23 million worth of suspected shabu during intensified anti-illegal drug operations in the first half of 2026, a police official said Monday. The operations spanned across the province from January 1 to June 29, leading to the arrest of 301 individuals, including 35 high-value targets and 264 street-level individuals.

According to Philippines News Agency, NOrPPO spokesperson Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar revealed that the operations resulted in the seizure of over 3,249 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP22.78 million. Among the notable operations, the largest drug haul was recorded in Zamboanguita town, where authorities confiscated about 1 kilogram of suspected shabu worth approximately PHP6.7 million and arrested a high-value target.

The latest significant seizure took place in Valencia on June 18, yielding suspected shabu valued at around PHP3.4 million. In addition to shabu, police also confiscated 53 grams of dried marijuana leaves and uprooted 3,015 marijuana plants, valued at more than PHP609,000.

The marijuana plants were discovered and destroyed in the mountainous areas of Bayawan City during patrol operations conducted by police units responsible for monitoring hinterland communities. Capt. Polinar noted that the region's untitled land in the mountains facilitates the cultivation of marijuana, with no suspects identified due to the remoteness of these areas.

Authorities continue to intensify patrols and anti-drug operations to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs in Negros Oriental.