Bacolod cops thwart sale of R2.5-M shabu at MassKara, Buglasan festivals

BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has thwarted the disposal of illegal drugs meant for the MassKara festival here and Buglasan festival in Negros Oriental, following the confiscation of about R2,591,000 worth of suspected shabu at Brgy. 1 here on Monday, October 7.

Col. Henry Biñas, Bacolod police director, said they received information that a big supply of “shabu” reportedly came from Mindanao was transported here to be distributed for the said two festivals.

The City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) led by Police Major Ariel Artillero conducted a buybust operation against 36-yearold Ernesto Calatis who was allegedly previously jailed for a drug offense and was released recently.

Police seized from his house 215 grams of suspected shabu, and the R1,000 marked money.

However, Calatis managed to escape after he jumped from a window when he noticed the presence of policemen in the area.

Biñas said the contraband was divided for the two festivals and was supposed to be delivered in different areas where there will be an influx of people.

“They will probably try to dispose the supply to many partygoers in this kind of celebration,” he added.

Biñas said Calatis was able to establish connections with other drug offenders at the jail, that’s why he immediately returned to the illegal drug trade when he was released.

His partner, Jessel Castillo, 28, was arrested at their house for allegedly conspiring in the transaction.

Castillo is detained at Police Station 2 while Calatis is still at large.

Biñas said they will continuously monitor the possible entry of contrabands since the MassKara Festival will run until the 27th of October.