By CESAR JOLITO III

Police in the newly formed Negros Island Region scored one of their largest anti-drug victories this quarter after seizing more than P2.2 million worth of suspected shabu in a tightly coordinated buy-bust operation in Dumaguete City’s Barangay Candau-ay on Saturday, November 22.

The operation led to the arrest of a 33-year-old alleged high-value individual known as “Michael,” a resident of Barangay Banilad.

According to police, the sting was set into motion after a confidential informant reported that the suspect had been supplying illegal drugs in parts of the city.

The first scheduled transaction reportedly fell through due to issues with the suspect’s supply, but police said “Michael” later initiated contact and arranged a new meeting point at Purok Bougainvilla.

Once the sale was consummated, operatives immediately moved in, arresting the suspect and recovering a total of 327.21 grams of suspected shabu.

The seized items included several plastic sachets of varying sizes, a mobile phone allegedly used for transactions, a belt bag containing drug paraphernalia, and marked money consisting of a genuine P1,000 bill placed over “boodle money.”

Authorities placed the estimated street value of the confiscated drugs at P2,225,028.

The suspect remains detained pending the filing of charges.

Police Regional Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay commended the Dumaguete police, calling the operation a clear demonstration of heightened anti-drug efforts across the newly created region.

“This major seizure demonstrates our steadfast commitment to eradicate the illegal drug trade in the Negros Island Region. We will continue decisive operations to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Ibay said./CJ, WDJ