An estimated P370,000 worth of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride was seized in separate drug bust operations of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in Bacolod City yesterday.
The operations led to the arrest of Rogelio Panonce Jr., 41, of Purok Mahimulaton, Barangay Banago; Jose Vega and Jeffrey Vega, both residents of Barangay Singcang-Airport.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, spokesperson of BCPO, said Panonce was arrested by operatives of BCPO-Drug Enforcement Unit led by BCPO director Colonel Henry Binas after he sold a sachet of shabu to a police undercover at Purok Mahimulaton, Kimara Zone 2, Barangay Banago at about 7:10 a.m.
Police recovered from Pananoce’s possession 15 sachets of shabu with estimated market value of P360,000, the P500 marked money, and drug paraphernalia.
Pico said Panonce was identified as high value target in Bacolod City and was a former drug surrenderee in BCPO.
He said the suspect was under surveillance for almost a month before his arrest.
The Vega’s siblings were also arrested by operatives of Police Station 8 at Calong-Calong Zone 1, Barangay Singcang-Airport at about 2:15 a.m.
Police recovered from the suspects’ possession four sachets of shabu with estimated market value of P10,000, and the P200 marked money.
The suspects are detained at the custodial facilities of BCPO and Police Station 8 and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.