• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Almost P18 million in suspected shabu was seized by the police in at least 33 operations, including the 422.60 grams of illegal drugs confiscated in Siaton, Negros Oriental July 19.
The anti-illegal drug operations launched regionwide from 5 a.m. July 19 led to the arrest of 40 suspects, along with the confiscation of 2,623.88 grams of suspected shabu, with market value of P17,842,384, the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas said July 20.
The buy-bust operation in Barangay Cangmating, Sibulan, close to midnight Friday led to the arrest of “Ren-ren”, 35, of Barangay Batinguel, Dumaguete City, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said in a Philippines News Agency report, adding that “Ren-ren is in the police’s list of suspected drug personalities and is tagged as a high-value individual.”
Personnel of the Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU)/Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and the Cortez Municipal Police Station of the Bohol Police Provincial Office, meanwhile, nabbed two high-value drug suspects and seized 1,450 grams of illegal drugs worth P9.86 million, and other drug paraphernalia.
Around 295 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P2 million, was seized from a male suspect during a buy-bust operation, led by the personnel of Police Station 10 of the Cebu City Police Office.
These operations were implemented following the mandate of PRO7 director, P/Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, to intensify police operations as one of the preemptive measures to secure the 3rd State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this afternoon, July 22.
The arrested drug suspects are currently held in designated custodial facilities while documents are prepared for the filing of appropriate charges in court, in violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the PRO7 said, adding that all pieces of evidence confiscated were submitted to the Forensic Unit for examination.
“PRO7’s commitment in ending the illegal drug menace is unwavering and until the last pusher is jailed, our anti-drug strategy will remain aggressive and non-stop,” Aberin stressed in a statement
PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil, has also directed all police units to intensify operations targeting high-value criminals and wanted individuals across cities and municipalities nationwide.
This directive is part of a broader campaign to enhance national security and ensure a safer environment for all citizens, he said. “Our paramount objective is the safety and security of every Filipino family and community. By apprehending these criminals, we are making significant strides in ensuring that our citizens can live without fear and in peace.”
It also highlights the PNP’s steadfast commitment to maintaining peace and security, especially with the National and Local Elections in May next year. | CGC
