DUMAGUETE CITY – In an early morning operation on Friday, anti-illegal drug operatives apprehended an ex-convict and seized PHP 1.7 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Camanjac.

According to Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), the 57-year-old male suspect from Purok 7, Barangay Boloc-boloc in nearby Sibulan town, was caught during a buy-bust operation around 3 a.m. in Purok Makugihon, Barangay Camanjac. The suspect, previously incarcerated for a drug-related offense, was found with approximately 250 grams of suspected shabu. He has been classified as a high-value target by law enforcement.

The suspect had previously been incarcerated for 12 years for a drug case, serving part of his sentence in a detention and rehabilitation facility under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in this city, and completing his term at a prison facility in Mindoro. He had returned to Negros Oriental after his release in 2017.