Operatives from the Bacolod City Police Office's City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) scored significant victories against the illegal drug trade over the weekend, arresting seven individuals and seizing an estimated P952,000 worth of suspected shabu in two separate buy-bust operations.
Back-to-Bust Operations Net High-Value Targets
The series of anti-drug operations began in the early hours of Saturday, December 27, 2025. According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the Public Information Office for the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the first operation was conducted around 12:40 a.m. in Purok Lubi, Barangay 3, Bacolod City.
This initial sting led to the apprehension of six suspects identified as alias Mark, 40, from Bago City; alias Leo, 48, from Barangay 3, Bacolod; Clint, 23, from Silay City; RL, 32, from Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod; Rodart, 47, from Silay City; and Aaron, 19, also from Silay City. Authorities recovered 80 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P544,000, along with the marked money used in the transaction.
Second Sting Yields More Contraband
Just a few hours later, at approximately 5:40 a.m., police conducted a follow-up operation in Purok Tahong, Barangay 2, Bacolod City. This operation resulted in the arrest of a seventh suspect, alias Christopher, 29, a resident of the same barangay. Confiscated from Christopher were 60 grams of shabu valued at around P408,000 and additional marked money.
Lieutenant Colonel Malong clarified the status of the arrested individuals, stating that five are classified as high-value drug personalities, while the remaining two are considered street-level individuals. This distinction highlights the operation's success in targeting different tiers of the local drug network.
Charges Filed, PRO-NIR Vows Sustained Campaign
All seven suspects are now detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 2 in Bacolod. They will face formal charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In her statement, Malong emphasized that these consecutive operations reflect PRO-NIR's determined and unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal drug syndicates and eliminating their operational space within the Negros Island Region. "By striking swiftly and decisively, PRO-NIR continues to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs and weaken the networks that threaten the safety and well-being of communities," she affirmed.
She credited the success to intelligence-led operations, precise coordination, and resolute law enforcement action, showcasing the Bacolod City Police Office-CDEU's relentless stance against narcotics. Malong concluded by asserting that PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its mission to protect the public, ensure offenders are held accountable, and sustain an uncompromising campaign for a safer, drug-free region.
