By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) observed that the volume of suspected shabu entering the city in the first week of the 46th MassKara Festival has significantly dropped this year.

“We’ve observed a noticeable decrease in drug supply in the city. One possible reason is that the person behind the entry of illegal drugs may no longer be operating in Bacolod,” BCPO Director Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica said yesterday.

He said most of the illegal drugs reaching the city are believed to be delivered through courier services and parcels.

However, Coronica admitted that authorities currently have limited capability to monitor such shipments and urged courier companies to invest in x-ray screening systems to detect illicit substances hidden in packages.

“This collaboration is crucial. Courier companies must have proper scanning equipment so we can intercept illegal drugs before they reach the streets,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the BCPO confiscated P6.96 million, or more than one kilogram, worth of suspected shabu in the first week of October, as the BCPO intensified its anti-illegal drug operations.

Twenty drug suspects were arrested in 11 anti-drug operations conducted across various barangays in the city from September 30 to October 6, the BCPO reported.

Coronica said the success of the operations reflects the sustained vigilance of law enforcement during the city’s grand festival season, a time when criminal elements often attempt to exploit the influx of visitors and activities.

The BCPO assured that anti-illegal drug operations will continue throughout the MassKara Festival to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order as thousands of revelers gather for the city’s world-renowned celebration./CJ, WDJ