By CESAR JOLITO III

More than P10.9 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) during the celebration of the MassKara Festival 2025, covering the period from October 1 to 19.

According to BCPO spokesperson, Police Lt. Meller Dionio, operatives conducted 23 drug buy-bust operations across the city, leading to the arrest of 34 drug suspects.

The operations resulted in the recovery of over 1.6 kilograms of suspected shabu, with a total estimated market value of P10,987,603.20.

Dionio said that despite the festive atmosphere and influx of visitors for the MassKara Festival, police maintained a strong anti-drug campaign while ensuring peace and order.

He emphasized that the success of the operations reflects the BCPO’s commitment to keep Bacolod safe, noting that the festival period recorded zero major crime incidents.

BCPO also credited the cooperation of the public and the intensified police presence in key areas of the city for the successful enforcement operations throughout the duration of the festival./CJ, WDJ