P31.2M in illegal drugs seized in Bacolod bust

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BACOLOD CITY — The police seized P31,280,000 worth of suspected shabu and arrested three suspects on Sunday in what the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) described as a "big blow to the illegal drug trade in the city."

The police first confiscated P17 million worth of suspected shabu from a high-value individual during a buy-bust in Barangay Estefania at 2:15 a.m. as the BCPO resumed its anti-illegal drugs operations after the 2025 midterm elections.

The City Drug Enforcement Unit spearheaded the operation in Barangay Estefania, where a 37-year-old suspect identified only as Jom was arrested.

Police recovered 2,500 grams of suspected shabu which authorities say may to have originated from Luzon.

BCPO director Col. Joeresty Coronica said Jom is suspected to be a bodegero or drug keeper.

An hour later, Police Station 2 arrested another drug suspect, 41-year-old Robert, in Barangay 2.

Robert was allegedly caught with 1,000 grams of suspected shabu estimated to be worth P6.8 million.

Maj. Eugene Tolentino, chief of Police Station 2, described Robert as a big-time drug pusher who had been previously arrested for a drug-related offense.

Authorities suspect the drugs were also sourced from Luzon and transported to Bacolod for distribution.

Coronica said the two suspects share the same supplier.

"They may have grown complacent, assuming the police were preoccupied with election-related duties," Coronica said.

"With this accomplishment, we were able to save the lives of would-be victims."

Coronica added that the seized drugs were likely intended for distribution in Bacolod and nearby towns in Negros Occidental.

Later that afternoon, Police Station 8 arrested 41-year-old Cherry, a resident of Jaro in Iloilo City at a lodging house in Barangay Singcang-Airport.

Police estimated the seized 1,100 grams of suspected shabu to be worth P9.13 million.

The drugs were packed in a bag sealed with a rubber band and marked with Chinese characters.

A digital weighing scale was also recovered.

Cpt. Greeky Cayao, chief of Police Station 8, described the suspect as a "drug runner" who arrived from Iloilo City earlier that day. He said the seized drugs reportedly came from Mindoro.

Cayao added that investigators are checking if she has links to the two other suspects arrested that day.

"We are investigating if the three have the same supplier," he said. The three suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Coronica commended the involved police units for their vigilance and commitment to public safety.

"We will continue to pursue those who threaten the peace and well-being of our community," he said.

The BCPO also urged the public to report any suspicious drug-related activity to the nearest police station or through official hotline numbers.