BY JEN BAYLON
BACOLOD City – Two separate anti-illegal drug operations in Negros Occidental led to the confiscation of P1,666,000 worth of suspected shabu and the apprehension of two individuals over the weekend.
The 32-year-old Dario Gonzales, a resident of Purok 5 Magsungay, Barangay Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City, was collared on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 28, by the Bacolod City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) and the Police Station 8-Station Drug Enforcement Team.
Tagged by the police as a high-value suspect, Gonzales was found in possession of more or less 220 grams of suspected shabu, estimated to be worth P1,496,000.
Gonzales was arrested for an illegal drug-related offense sometime in 2019 but was released in June 2023 after appealing, according to CDEU head Police Captain Joven Mogato.
Meanwhile, the authorities seized P170,000 worth of the illegal substance during an operation on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 27, at Hacienda Mimi in Barangay 10, Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
The 19-year-old “Wilbert,” according to the police, was a newly identified drug personality. His cohort, identified by the alias “Rizalino,” was able to evade arrest. They were allegedly part of a group suspected of being involved in illegal drug transactions.
Two homemade firearms with live ammunition were also recovered.
The arrested persons will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
