By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An estimated P1.4 million worth of suspected shabu was seized from a high-value target in Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City on Monday morning, February 20.

Police identified the arrested as 23-year-old Mark John Quijano, a resident of Ylagan Street in the city’s Barangay 6.

City police chief, Lt. Colonel Jesus Mesahon, Jr. said they seized 16 sachets of suspected shabu valued at P1,469,276.

Police also confiscated an empty Chinese tea sachet which the suspect used as packaging, and P2,300 buy-bust money.

Quijano is facing charges related to Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

He is detained at the San Carlos City Police Station.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office spokesperson, Captain Judesses Catalogo said the seized suspected shabu could be the evidence that drug suspects have begun stocking up illegal drugs in preparation for upcoming festivals in March and April.

Among the festivals scheduled to be held in March are Ilog town’s Kisi-Kisi Festival, Moises Padilla town’s Magayon Festival, and Victorias City’s Kadalag-an Festival.

In April of this year, the return of the Panaad sa Negros Festival will be held in Bacolod City.

Catalogo said it has been noticed by law enforcement authorities that the supply of illegal drugs increases every time a festival is set to take place.

It is possible that the seized suspected shabu worth P1.4 million was already part of the advanced shipment into the province.

In response to the successful buy-bust operation, Catalogo said they will also strengthen their monitoring against illegal drugs./DGB, WDJ