Negros Oriental cops seize P10.9M worth of drugs in pre-election sweep

DRUG BUST. Negros Oriental police display on Monday (May 5, 2025) the PHP10.9 million worth of seized shabu during the April 28 to May 4, 2025 province-wide anti-crime operations. Authorities vow to sustain enforcement through the election period. (NOPPO photo)

DUMAGUETE CITY — Police in Negros Oriental confiscated P10.9 million worth of suspected shabu in a weeklong anti-crime operation ahead of the May 12 midterm elections, officials reported Monday.

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Noppo) arrested 23 drug suspects and confiscated 1,607 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride from April 28 to May 4, according to Noppo spokesperson Lt. Stephen Polinar.

Authorities conducted 19 anti-drug raids as part of broader crime suppression efforts, which also led to the arrest of 42 individuals for illegal gambling in 21 operations, the capture of four most-wanted persons, and 46 other fugitives.

Police also arrested six individuals in 30 operations targeting loose firearms and recorded 957 violations of local ordinances across the province.

Fifteen unregistered firearms were surrendered during “Oplan Katok,” a campaign involving house visits to gun owners with expired licenses.

Polinar said the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) would continue through the election period.

READ: Negros Oriental cops seize over P54-M illegal drugs since January