By CESAR JOLITO III

A 22-year-old student was arrested in a buy-bust operation that led to the seizure of around P142,800 worth of suspected shabu in Bacolod City’s Barangay 2 on March 16, authorities said.

Anti-drug operatives conducted the intelligence-driven operation at Purok Sigay, resulting in the arrest of the suspect identified only by the alias “Mak,” a resident of the area.

Confiscated during the operation were one sachet of suspected shabu used as the buy-bust item, three additional sachets believed to contain the illegal substance, and P500 in marked money. Authorities estimated the total weight of the seized drugs at about 21 grams.

He is currently detained at Police Station 2 and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165.

The regional police office said the operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-based enforcement and reaffirmed its commitment to intensify efforts against illegal drugs across Negros Island./CJ, WDJ