By CESAR JOLITO III

A mother and daughter were arrested in a major anti-drug operation in Bacolod City as police seized around 60 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P408,000 on Sunday, February 22.

“Esme,” 49 years old, and her 25-year-old daughter alias “Bambam” were apprehended during a coordinated buy-bust at Purok Progreso 1 in Barangay Vista Alegre at 8:38 p.m.

Authorities said the suspects were allegedly involved in the distribution of shabu and that “Esme” had a previous drug-related arrest in 2021.

Recovered during the operation were five heat-sealed plastic sachets and one knot-tied bag containing suspected shabu, buy-bust money amounting to P1,000, and other items.

The confiscated drugs were submitted to the Negros Occidental Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination, while the suspects remain in police custody for legal proceedings.

The operation underscores the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region’s (PRO-NIR) intensified campaign to dismantle illegal drug networks and protect communities.

In a simultaneous operation in Negros Oriental’s Sibulan town, alias “Shakira,” 38 years old, was arrested with 61 grams of suspected shabu valued at P414,800.

Both operations were intelligence-led, coordinated efforts involving multiple law enforcement units, and documented on-site using body-worn cameras.

PRO-NIR emphasized that the twin operations reflect sustained operational pressure against illegal drugs, the importance of community reporting, and the agency’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment in the region./CJ, WDJ