By Nanette Guadalquiver

NO TO DRUGS. A buy-bust conducted by the Bacolod City Police Office Drug Enforcement Unit in Barangay Cabug yielded PHP272,000 in shabu and led to the arrest of a lone suspect on March 21, 2026. The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region said Tuesday (April 14, 2026) it has seized PHP35.983 million worth of illegal drugs in the first quarter. (Photo courtesy of PRO-NIR)

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) seized PHP35.983 million worth of illegal drugs in the first quarter of 2026, based on consolidated reports.

The amount is the total standard drug price of about 5,200 grams of shabu and 5,166 grams of marijuana recovered from January to March.

“These accomplishments represent a significant achievement in the fight against illegal drugs,” PRO-NIR Director Brig. Arnold Thomas Ibay said in a statement on Tuesday.

He noted that the successful operations disrupted criminal networks, dismantled supply chains, and enhanced the safety and security of communities.

In the first three months of 2026, PRO-NIR drug enforcement teams conducted 611 operations that led to the arrest of 709 drug personalities.

On the last week of March, the PRO-NIR marked its first anniversary, following the creation of the country’s newest administrative region.

In 2025, PRO-NIR units seized 44,997 grams of shabu worth PHP305.98 million and 12,993 grams of marijuana valued at PHP1.559 million.

The illegal drugs were confiscated during 2,281 operations that also resulted in the arrest of 2,708 drug suspects.

PRO-NIR supervises the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, Siquijor Police Provincial Office, and Bacolod City Police Office. (PNA)