P7-M worth of suspected shabu seized in Zamboanguita buy-bust operation

The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region intensified its aggressive campaign against illegal drugs following the successful arrest of a High-Value Individual and the confiscation of approximately 1,018.4 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PhP 6,925,120.00, during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Capagongan, Barangay Poblacion, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, around 1:43 PM on May 16, 2026.

The operation was conducted by PDEU, NOrPPO, with support from PIU, Zamboanguita MPS, PNP DEG SOU NIR, and PDEA RO-NIR. It was based on information that alias “Kitt,” 38 years old, single, and residing in Purok 7, Katrina Homes, Barangay Batinguel, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, was actively involved in illegal drug activities. Casing and surveillance operations revealed that the suspect had previous arrests for violating RA 9165. With assistance from a confidential informant, an undercover transaction was executed, leading to the buy-bust and arrest of the suspect.

Recovered during the operation were: One small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; Nine small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; Five medium heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; Five large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; One small transparent plastic sachet containing residue of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; One medium transparent plastic sachet containing residue of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; One green sling bag; One green-blue cellular phone; One silver weight scale; One black Honda Click motorcycle; and Php 1,000 genuine money along with 49 fake bills used as buy-bust money.

The suspect was informed of his rights and the provisions of anti-torture law in a dialect he fully understood. Operatives ensured strict compliance with Section 21 of Republic Act 9165 and the protocols on Body-Worn Cameras during the operation. Inventory and documentation of the confiscated evidence were conducted at the scene in the presence of witnesses.

This achievement underscores PRO NIR’s strengthened intelligence-driven anti-drug operations, robust inter-agency collaboration, and unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal drug networks in the region. PRO NIR remains persistent in pursuing those involved in the drug trade and committed to protecting communities from the harms of illegal narcotics through continuous law enforcement efforts and enhanced public safety initiatives.