A TOTAL of P40.8 million worth of illegal drugs was seized by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office during a buy-bust conducted at 12:33 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Purok 5, Barangay Sto. Niño, San Jose, Negros Oriental.
The arrested suspect was identified as Paulo Bayhon Dimaano, alias “Pao,” 36, a resident of Barangay Camanjac, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Seized from him were large packs of shabu with a total weight of 6,000 grams and an estimated standard drug price of P40,800,000.
Also confiscated as evidence were his cellphone, allegedly used for drug transactions, and a Ford Everest Titanium vehicle, which contained the six large packs of shabu.
According to the investigation by the Negros Oriental police, the suspect had been under surveillance after they monitored his involvement in selling large quantities of illegal drugs.
Once they gathered all necessary information, the buy-bust was launched, led by Police Captain Jebert Baroy, head of the PDEU, under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Florendo Fajardo, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit, and upon the directive of Police Colonel Ronan Claravall, director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office.
Dimaano is identified as a high-value individual, with his drug distribution area covering Dumaguete City and nearby towns in Negros Oriental.
The seized evidence has been submitted to the Philippine National Police Forensic Unit for chemical analysis.
Police are now preparing to file charges against the suspect for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). (AYB)