Anti-drug operatives of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) arrested a resident who yielded P5.44 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust at Purok Narra Baybay, Barangay 8 on Saturday night, October 26.

Suspect alias “Rico” was caught red-handed selling P50,000 worth of shabu to an undercover officer at around 8:35 p.m., the police report said.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, BCPO Director, said the operation, which took place during the weekend highlights of the 45th MassKara Festival, would further ensure public safety and allow both Bacolodnons and tourists to enjoy safe and drug-free festivities.

“This is part of our comprehensive security measures to protect the MassKara Festival goers and maintain public safety,” Coronica said in a statement.

Operatives of Police Station 2 seized from alias “Rico” about 800 grams of shabu with a standard drug price of P6,800 per gram.

Charges for sale and possession of dangerous drugs under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being readied against the suspect.

The Saturday night haul was the latest in the series of major anti-drug operations conducted by the BCPO to prevent further proliferation of shabu in the ongoing festival.

On October 23, City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) agents arrested three siblings, who yielded P1.36 million in shabu, in a buy-bust at Purok Kabugwason, Barangay Mansilingan.

The CDEU also seized a kilogram of shabu worth P6.8 million from a lone suspect during a buy-bust in Purok Masinadyahon, Barangay 12 on October 17.

On October 13 and 14, drug enforcement teams recovered shabu valued at a total of P6.8 million during buy-busts in Barangay Tangub and Barangay Singcang-Airport, respectively. (PNA)