BACOLOD CITY — Law enforcement authorities in Negros Occidental intercepted a large shipment of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) worth over P8.8 million and arrested two individuals linked to drug distribution networks in Bacolod and Kabankalan City.
The buy-bust was carried out by Bacolod City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) at 6:16 p.m. on Monday inside Camella Subdivision in Barangay Mandalagan.
Arrested were 53-year-old Ramyr Obidos, a resident of the said subdivision, and 45-year-old Anthony Tutor of Barangay Hilamonan in Kabankalan City.
CDEU head Police Lt. Col. Antonio Benitez Jr. identified Obidos, also known as “Tata,” as a high-value individual included in the Bacolod Anti-Drug Abuse Council watch list, and a key distributor previously targeted by Kabankalan police.
The suspect has a prior record of two drug-related convictions and is believed to have been supplying illegal narcotics to areas across Bacolod and Southern Negros.
Tutor, classified as a street-level individual, was previously arrested in a drug operation but had been released before partnering with Obidos to expand distribution activities.
Benitez said that his team conducted intensive surveillance on both suspects for an extended period, monitoring their movements and residences to ensure the success of the operation.
Authorities seized approximately 1.3 kilograms of shabu, with a standard market value placed at P8,840,000.
Benitez noted that the confiscated drugs were reportedly intended to be circulated during the Sinulog festivities in Kabankalan, where increased foot traffic and gatherings often drive higher demand for illegal substances.
He also confirmed that investigators are looking into possible accomplices involved in the drug ring’s operations across both cities.
The two suspects are now being held at the custodial facility of Bacolod City Police Station 3 as authorities prepare to file appropriate charges against them.
Source: P8.8M worth of shabu seized in Negros, 2 arrested in buy-bust
