P5-M shabu seized in Bacolod

AN estimated P5-million worth of shabu or methamphitamine hydrochloride was seized in a drug bust operation of POTHE lice Station 3 at DC1, Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City yesterday morning.

The operation also led to the arrest of four drug personalities identified as Ryan Benemile, 25, of Purok Pagla-um, Barangay 30; Chris John Esmedia, 29, of Barangay Nagasi, La Carlota; Alberto Pastera Jr., 18, of Purok Mapalaron, Barangay 30; and Wegene Bagcal, 19, and resident of Purok Cabugwason, Barangay Mansilingan.

Police Major Ariel Pico, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office, said the suspects were arrested after they sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover at 3:45 a.m.

Police recovered from the suspects possession eight sachets of shabu weighing 405 grams with estimated market value of P5, 062, 500, the P1,000 marked money, sling bag, and P1, 500 cash.

Pico said the suspects are detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 3 and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“It only shows that we are abreast on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to conduct a massive campaign against illegal drugs in Bacolod City,” he said.

He added on Wednesday afternoon, an estimated P1.2-million worth of shabu was also seized in a drug bust operation conducted by operatives of Bacolod City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) at Purok Bayanihan, Barangay Banago.

Pico pointed out that the illegal drugs problem still exist in Bacolod and it’s quit alarming since there’s a big recovery of illegal drugs in various areas.

BCPO is also monitoring the entry of illegal drugs in different sea ports or terminals in Bacolod.

Pico disclosed that BCPO acting director Police Colonel Henry Biñas also reminded other police station commanders to double their effort in the campaign against illegal drugs within their areas of jurisdiction.*