AN ESTIMATED P7.2 million worth of suspected “shabu” was seized in separate drug busts of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU)-Western Visayas in Bacolod City Friday morning, November 15.
The operations also led to the arrest of Joselito Detoyato, 36, of Barangay Mandalagan; Jonel Ronel, 25, of Barangay 34; and Ronaldo Roquero Jr., 38, of Talisay City.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of BCPO, said Detoyato and Ronel were arrested after they sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover at Purok Maabi-abihon, Barangay 35 at about 12:45 a.m.
Police recovered from the suspects’ possession seven sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with estimated market value of P405,000, the P500 marked money, and drug paraphernalia.
Pico said Detoyato was identified as high-value target in Bacolod City.
Meanwhile, Roquero was also arrested by operatives of RDEU-Western Visayas led by Police Lieutenant Thurslie Castillo at South Capitol Road, Barangay 9 at about 2:30 a.m.
Castillo said they identified Roquero as a high-value drug target and allegedly a member of the Michael Divinagracia Drug Syndicate which is based in Silay City.
Castillo added that the transaction they made with the suspects was “moving” as the suspects did not exit the vehicle and the drugs were only handed over to the buyers.
A brief scuffle also ensued when police moved in the suspects as they tried to escape.
Police recovered from Roquero’s possession eight sachets of shabu, two big pack transparent heat-sealed plastic sachet of shabu, two big transparent heat-sealed plastic sachet of shabu, the P1,500 marked money, cellular phone, and Toyota Innova.
Pico said the confiscated shabu has an estimated market value of P6.8 million.
The suspects are detained at the custodial facility of Police Stations 1 and 2 and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.