The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) recovered 4.6 kilograms of shabu worth an estimated P31.28 million in three buy-bust operations on Sunday, May 18.

In a radio interview yesterday, BCPO Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said illegal drug traders took advantage of the police’s focus on election-related security to bring in huge volumes of suspected shabu into the city.

“They sourced large amounts of stocks since money circulates during election time and drug users have the money to spare,” Coronica said.

At around 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, alias “Jom” or “Drake” was apprehended by the City Drug Enforcement Unit in a residence at Country Homes Subdivision, Barangay Estefania.

The suspect yielded about 2.5 kilos of suspected shabu, amounting to P17 million.

Around 3:21 p.m., alias “Cherry,” 41 years old, of Jaro, Iloilo City, was arrested by operatives of Police Station 8 after dealing with a poseur-buyer inside a room at Jade Court 2 motel in Barangay Singcang-Airport.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 1.1 kilos of suspected shabu valued at P7.48 million.

“The source is in Mindoro. It is possible the supply is also intended for Iloilo,” Coronica said.

Later at 3:52 a.m., the operation of Police Station 2 at Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2 led to the arrest of alias “Robert” and the recovery of a kilo of suspected shabu worth P6.8 million.

“Their source, based on the information we gathered, were originally from here but are now based in Luzon, who send the items to be sold not only in Bacolod City but also in nearby areas,” Coronica said.

The BCPO chief said most of the illegal drugs coming from Luzon going to Bacolod City pass through Panay Island, while those coming from Bicol Region pass through Cebu, going to northern Negros.

Coronica vowed the BCPO will continue its relentless war against illegal drugs to keep Bacolod safe and peaceful. (PNA)