Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) operatives have arrested three suspects and seized P2.312 million worth of shabu in a series of operations from September 30 to October 1 as part of the intensified anti-drug campaign for a safe and secure celebration of the 46th MassKara Festival.
The 19-day festival kicked off on Wednesday, October 1, in two venues, drawing a crowd of about 50,000 at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds and 1,500 more at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
At around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, alias “Anthony,” 35 years old, was intercepted in a checkpoint manned by the Bacolod City Mobile Force Company along San Juan Street while driving a motorcycle without side mirrors and not wearing a helmet.
Further investigation showed he possessed 220 grams of shabu valued at P1.496 million and cash amounting to P35,370.
“We believe the suspect has been collecting payments and has remaining supply for delivery,” Police Station 2 chief Major Eugene Tolentino said in a radio interview.
Tolentino said the suspect is included in the police drugs watchlist and has been previously arrested.
Anthony is also suspected to be involved in past shooting incidents in the city.
Meanwhile, alias “Bebe,” 44 years old, was arrested around 6:00 p.m. in a buy-bust along St. Therese Street, Gonzaga Extension in Barangay Taculing by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU).
Seized from his possession were 70 grams of shabu worth P476,000.
Past 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, the CDEU arrested alias “Reymar,” 18 years old, during a sting operation at Purok Rosas Pandan, Barangay Banago.
The suspect yielded about 50 grams of shabu valued at P340,000.
In a statement yesterday, Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region and commander of Task Group MassKara, said “neutralizing high-value targets is crucial in preventing illegal drugs from infiltrating communities, particularly during major public events like the MassKara Festival.”
“These operations underscore our unwavering commitment to safeguard the public, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that the MassKara celebration remains safe, secure and drug-free,” he added. (PNA)