By Nanette Guadalquiver | Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY – A top drug personality in northern Negros Occidental was arrested by joint operatives during a buy-bust that led to the recovery of P10.2 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Guadalupe, San Carlos City on Wednesday (Jan. 12) afternoon.
The police identified the suspect as Joel Rizardo, 24, of Greenville Bato, Barangay Rizal, a high-value individual and the number one priority target on the local drugs watchlist.
His live-in partner Jean Compacion, a street-level individual residing in Hacienda San Jose, Barangay Guadalupe, evaded arrest.
Col. Leo Pamittan, acting director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Police, lauded the operating troops for the successful intelligence-driven operation.
“This is one commendable accomplishment of our operatives and a proper welcome for my first week of being designated provincial director,” Pamittan said in a statement on Thursday (Jan. 13).
In a media interview, Lt. Col. Jesus Mesajon, chief of San Carlos City Police Station, said the operatives have been monitoring the activities of Rizardo for several months before his arrest.
He added the police faced challenges in locating the suspect because he does not stay in one place.
The residence, where the buy-bust took place and where the couple has been conducting recent illegal drug transactions, is owned by Compacion’s uncle, the investigation showed.
At 4:20 p.m., the poseur-buyer bought P3,500 worth of suspected shabu from Rizardo.
Operatives then recovered eight plastic sachets of various sizes containing the same prohibited substance with a total weight of 1.5 kilograms, along with P3,600 cash. Pegged at P6,800 per gram, the drug haul was valued at P10.2 million.
Lt. Roby Aurita, deputy for administration of San Carlos City Police Station, said the suspect is still detained and will be charged with the violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002. (PNA) – bny
