By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

According to intelligence received by Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) acting director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, surrounding the recent drug seizure in Barangay Villamonte, the illicit substance likely originated in Mindanao.
He believes the drug haul, valued at P2 million, took the “usual” drug route, arriving at the port of San Carlos City and transported to Bacolod City via Don Salvador Benedicto and Murcia.
As a result, Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18) director, Police Chief Superintendent Edmund Gonzales, ordered police to set up anti-drug checkpoints at all sea ports throughout the province.
Last Sunday, four people, including a minor, were arrested along Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Villamonte after they were caught selling P2 million worth of shabu.
The three suspects have since been charged for possession and sale of illegal drugs, while the minor was turned over to the city’s Social Development Center (SDC)./WDJ