By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Police Office (NOPPO) recently identified an emerging drug group in the province.

According to NOPPO deputy operations director, Police Superintendent Glenn Provido, police have captured around 30 suspected members, along with 11 surrendering through “Oplan Tokhang.”

He added, one is still at large.

Provido said the group operates in the southern portion of Negros, which he explained is used as a “transhipment point of illegal drugs.”

“The supply in the province comes from Metro Manila, some parts of the Visayas, and also Mindanao,” the NOPPO official explained. “The prices of the illegal drugs depend on [where] it is sourced.”

Meanwhile, a total 1,189 drug personalities in Negros Occidental have surrendered through “Oplan Tokhang” since December 2017.

Provido added, since July 2016, the number is over 11,000.

In addition, a total 3.33 kilos of suspected shabu has been seized by provincial police this year./DGB, WDJ