Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office
DUMAGUETE CITY — Police in Negros Oriental said they have intensified operations ahead of an expected rise in illegal drug activities during the summer months.
Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar said authorities have observed a recurring increase in drug-related incidents during Holy Week and the peak tourist season.
He noted that the influx of visitors during these periods has historically coincided with heightened illegal drug activity in the province.
In response, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office has strengthened its campaign through checkpoints, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
The office said these efforts were being carried out in coordination with other law enforcement agencies.
Records showed that from January to March this year, police confiscated more than 1,000 grams of suspected shabu valued at about Php 6.9 million, along with marijuana products worth around Php 600,000.
Authorities also conducted over 100 anti-drug operations during the same period, resulting in the arrest of several suspects, including high-value and street-level individuals.
In one recent operation, police arrested a suspected high-value target in Barangay Looc in Dumaguete City, seizing illegal drugs valued at over Php 400,000.
