Police seized P8.8 million worth of suspected shabu believed to be bound for Kabankalan City after arresting two suspects in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City, on the evening of January 12, 2026.
Operatives of the Bacolod City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) carried out the operation at around 6:16 pm, arresting alias “Tata,” 53, a resident of Camella Subdivision in Barangay Mandalagan, and alias “Anthony,” 45, of Purok Paraiso, Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City.
CDEU head Police Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr. said investigators believe the suspects planned to transport the illegal drugs to Kabankalan City amid the 50th Sinulog Kabankalan Festival, a period when authorities expect increased movement of illegal drugs.
Benitez added that police traced the supply of the seized drugs to Mindanao, but authorities declined to disclose further details as the investigation continues.
Police recovered about 1.3 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug value of P8.84 million.
Officers also seized P6,000 in marked buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence during the operation.
Police detained the suspects and are preparing charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.