Police arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized more than P28.5 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Bacolod City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The operation was conducted on May 19 by operatives of the Bacolod City Police Office City Drug Enforcement Unit in Barangay 31.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect as alias “Bongi,” a 36-year-old Filipina tagged as a high-value individual in the local illegal drug trade.
Police said the suspect was arrested after allegedly handing over a sachet of suspected shabu to a poseur-buyer in exchange for P7,000 in marked money.
During the operation, authorities confiscated seven heat-sealed plastic sachets and five knot-tied plastic bags containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
The seized drugs weighed about 4.2 kilograms and had an estimated standard drug price of P28.56 million.
Police said the suspect was informed of her constitutional rights in Hiligaynon, a language she understands.
The confiscated evidence will be submitted to the PNP Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination, while inventory procedures were conducted in accordance with Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the police force’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and criminality.
“Operations like this show that the PNP remains relentless in going after individuals who continue to destroy communities through illegal drugs,” Nartatez said.
“We will continue to strengthen our campaign and ensure that those involved are held accountable before the law,” he added.
Nartatez also warned individuals involved in the illegal drug trade that police operations would continue nationwide.
“Malinaw ang mensahe namin sa mga sangkot sa bentahan ng ilegal na droga — hahabulin kayo ng batas at mananagot kayo sa inyong mga ginawa,” he said.