EIGHT persons, including a soldier who had gone absent without leave, were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in Negros Occidental on Sunday, February 10.

Police recovered from the suspects P521,500 worth of suspected shabu.

In San Carlos City, Angelito Silva, 42, of Barangay 6 was collared in the said village after police seized from him five sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth P240,000, drug paraphernalia, and the P500 marked money. The suspect is a high-value target.

In Silay City, Joey Polvorido, 37, of Barangay Mambulac was arrested after police recovered from him four sachets of suspected shabu weighing seven grams worth P105,000, drug paraphernalia, cellular phone, coin purse, and P4,500 including marked money and boodle money. The suspect is under the target list of Silay City Police Station.

In Bacolod City, Edmond Malanday, Daryl Punayan, and Maria Theresa Juarez were arrested in Barangay Banago.

Police confiscated eight sachets of suspected shabu worth P130,000, drug paraphernalia, and the P1,000 marked money. All suspects are detained at Police Station 3.

Also arrested in the said city was Paul John Decipulo, 28, of Barangay Tangub. He allegedly yielded two sachets of suspected shabu worth P20,000, drug paraphernalia, and the P200 marked money. He is detained at Police Station 8.

In Himamaylan City, Leonil Tejada, 34, of Barangay Suay was arrested in Barangay To-oy after police recovered from him five sachets of suspected shabu worth P2,500, and the P500 marked money. He is a former member of the Philippine Army.

In Pontevedra town, Joefe Pausa, 28, of Barangay Miranda was arrested in Barangay Recreo after police allegedly caught him for sale and illegal possession of four sachets of suspected shabu worth P24,000, the P500 marked money, cellular phone, and P150 in cash. He is a drug surrenderer.