By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and seven street-level individuals in a major anti-drug operation that led to the confiscation of about 200 grams of suspected shabu worth P1.36 in Bacolod City’s Barangay 2 early yesterday morning.

Police identified the HVI as 22-year-old alias Lorence of Barangay 2.

Also arrested were 29-year-old alias John of Barangay 29; 23-year-old Ren, 27-year-old Ogie, 31-year-old Mark, and 39-year-old Vincent — all residents of Barangay 2; as well as 34-year-old Ace of Barangay 30; and 22-year-old Karl of Barangay Cabug.

The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) conducted the buy-bust operation around 4:41 a.m. at Purok Tahong.

Recovered from the suspects were several heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with a total estimated weight of 200 grams.

Police said the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and are now detained at the CDEU headquarters for the filing of appropriate charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article 2 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

BCPO Director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica lauded the CDEU team for the successful operation, emphasizing the unit’s ongoing campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city.

“This operation reflects our continued commitment to ensuring a safer Bacolod by relentlessly pursuing those involved in the illegal drug trade,” Coronica said./CJ, WDJ