ILLEGAL DRUGS. Police in Negros Oriental seized some 1.25 kilos of suspected shabu valued at around PHP8.5 million during a buy-bust operation in Bais City close to midnight on Monday (Jan. 11, 2022). The suspect is a "high-value" target in the police's list of suspected drug personalities. (Photo courtesy of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Police operatives have arrested a suspected drug pusher during a buy-bust operation and seized suspected shabu valued at around PHP8.5 million, a firearm, and ammunition in Bais City, Negros Oriental close to midnight on Monday.
Provincial police director, Col. Germano Mallari, on Tuesday identified the suspect as Alex Torres, 50, a resident of Barangay Sab-ahan in Manjuyod, an adjacent town from here where he was arrested.
Torres is considered a “high-value individual” drug personality as listed in the police’s roster, Mallari said.
Torres was arrested around 11:30 p.m. after he allegedly sold “shabu” to an undercover operative at the Dolce Nombre de Maria Subdivision in Barangay Talungon.
Seized from him were 10 medium-sized pieces and one big heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu estimated to weigh 1.25 kilos.
Police operatives also confiscated from the suspect one caliber 9mm revolver, five rounds of live ammunition, a PHP1,000 marked bill, and buy-bust money used in the police operation.
The suspect will be charged with violation for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition under Republic Act 10591 providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition in relation to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, and for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Torres is the second person in Negros Oriental to be arrested for violation of the gun ban, which took effect on January 9 at the start of the election period and will end on June 8. (PNA)
