By JEN BAYLON

Three individuals were arrested after the confiscation of suspected shabu worth P5.4 million during a drug buy-bust operation at Barangay 2 in Negros Occidental’s Victorias City on Tuesday, December 10.

The suspects, identified as 47-year-old Ponciano Tanag, 24-year-old Christian Tang and 37-year-old Artemio Aringgo, were apprehended during the operation.

Authorities confiscated approximately 900 grams of suspected shabu, which is classified as a dangerous drug under Philippine law.

Victorias police chief, Colonel Terrence Paul Santa Ana, said they are about to formally file charges under Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against the suspects.

RA 9165 prescribes stringent penalties for drug-related offenses, including life imprisonment and hefty fines for those involved in the manufacture, distribution or possession of illegal drugs.

The act emphasizes a comprehensive approach to tackling the drug problem in the Philippines through law enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation efforts./JB, WDJ