By CESAR JOLITO III
What began as a routine police response to a vehicular accident on Christmas Day turned into an anti-illegal drugs operation, resulting in the arrest of two alleged drug personalities and the seizure of more than P544,000 worth of suspected shabu in this town.
Binalbagan police apprehended the two suspects at 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, December 25, along the national highway in Barangay San Teodoro, following a reported road crash.
Initial investigation revealed that the vehicle’s driver lost control, causing the car to hit roadside structures and a mango tree, resulting in significant damage.
Upon the arrival of police responders, the occupants of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene, raising suspicion among authorities.
The suspects attempted to escape by boarding a tricycle but were immediately intercepted and apprehended at Crossing Bag-o, Barangay San Jose.
The arrested individuals were identified as 35-year-old alias “Anthon,” a high-value individual, and 26-year-old alias “Phil,” a street-level individual, both residents of Kabankalan City’s Barangay 2.
When the suspects were brought to the police station and turned over to the duty traffic investigator, their unusual attempt to evade police prompted further inspection of their belongings.
A search of a black backpack led to the discovery of several sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.
Recovered during the operation were three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets, two additional plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing a total of about 80 grams, a black backpack, and a multicolored coin purse.
Police said the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in accordance with Republic Act 9745.
Two alternative recording devices were used during the operation, complying with Supreme Court A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, while the inventory of seized items was conducted in strict adherence to Section 21 of Republic Act 9165.
The confiscated suspected illegal drugs will be submitted to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
Authorities are now preparing the necessary documents for the filing of appropriate charges against the suspects, who are currently detained at the Binalbagan Police Station.
The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said the incident underscores the vigilance of law enforcement personnel, even during the holiday season, and highlights the police force’s unwavering commitment to combat illegal drugs.
“This operation sends a clear message that criminal activities will not go unnoticed. Even routine incidents can expose illegal acts, and the law will be enforced at all times to ensure the safety and security of our communities,” PRO-NIR said in a statement./CJ, WDJ