By CESAR JOLITO III

Nearly P1.5 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a drug buy-bust operation along Circumferential Road in Bacolod City’s Barangay Bata in the early hours of Rizal Day, December 30.

Police arrested the primary suspect, alias “Gang” or Elias, 39 years old, a resident of Islamic Center, Lopez Jaena Street, in the city’s Barangay 31.

Also arrested was his alleged companion, 20-year-old “Alias CD,” a resident of Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Bata.

The operation, conducted at 1:20 a.m., was carried out by the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Bacolod City Police Office.

Recovered from the suspects were four knot-tied plastic packs and six heat-sealed transparent sachets containing suspected shabu, with an estimated total weight of 220 grams.

Authorities placed the standard drug price at P1,496,000.

Police said the arrest underscores the government’s continued anti-illegal drugs campaign, even on national holidays like Rizal Day, which commemorates the ideals of patriotism, discipline and social responsibility embodied by national hero Dr. José Rizal.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, pending confirmatory laboratory examination of the seized items./CJ, WDJ