The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Negros Oriental seized more than P8.2 million worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-illegal drug operations across the province during the first half of 2026.

PDEA-Negros Oriental Provincial chief Elmer Ebona said the accomplishments resulted from both independent operations and joint operations with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“We coordinate with the PNP in many anti-illegal drug operations due to a lack of personnel, despite our agency being the lead in this campaign,” Ebona said.

PDEA records showed that from January to June, the agency conducted four buy-bust operations and served one search warrant, leading to the arrest of 12 suspects. In its independent operations, PDEA confiscated about 39.924 grams of suspected shabu valued at P271,483.

Joint operations with the PNP resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 1,183.541 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of more than P8 million.

Ebona underscored the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies in addressing the province’s illegal drug problem. (PNA)