Bacolod cops nab 3, seize shabu worth ₱31.2M in sting operations
DRUG HAUL. An operative of the Bacolod City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit conducts an inventory of the 2.5 kg of shabu worth PHP17 million seized in a buy-bust at Country Homes Subdivision in Barangay Estefania Sunday morning (May 18, 2025). A lone suspect was arrested during the operation. (Photo courtesy of BCPO)
BACOLOD CITY — Police in Bacolod City seized 4.6 kilograms of shabu worth about ₱31.28 million in three separate buy-bust operations on Sunday.
Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said in a radio interview Monday that drug traders took advantage of the police force’s focus on election-related duties to bring in large quantities of illegal drugs.
“They sourced large amounts of stocks since money circulates during election time and drug users have the money to spare,” Coronica said.
The first operation occurred at 2:15 a.m. in a residence in Country Homes Subdivision, Barangay Estefania, where the City Drug Enforcement Unit arrested a suspect known as “Jom” or “Drake.” Authorities recovered about 2.5 kilos of shabu, valued at ₱17 million.
At 3:21 p.m., operatives from Police Station 8 arrested a suspect identified as “Cherry,” 41, of Jaro, Iloilo City, during a buy-bust inside a room at Jade Court 2 motel in Barangay Singcang-Airport. The suspect allegedly yielded 1.1 kilos of shabu worth ₱7.48 million.
“The source is in Mindoro. It is possible the supply was also intended for Iloilo,” Coronica said.
A third operation at 3:52 a.m. in Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2, led to the arrest of “Robert” and the seizure of 1 kilo of shabu valued at ₱6.8 million.
“Their source, based on our information, is originally from Bacolod but now based in Luzon. They send drugs here for distribution not only in Bacolod but also in nearby areas,” Coronica added.
He said most drugs from Luzon are routed through Panay Island before reaching Bacolod, while those from the Bicol region pass through Cebu and into northern Negros.
Coronica reaffirmed the BCPO’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs to ensure the safety and peace of the city.
READ: P23.8 M shabu seized from 2 Bacolod drug suspects
