Close to P3 million in illegal drugs was seized and 269 suspects arrested in various police operations across Central Visayas over the weekend, the Police Regional Office 7 said Sept. 9.
The drug haul for Sept. 6 and 8 included 430.90 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P2,930,120, and marijuana plants worth P4,400.
In Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, the police seized P1.7 million worth of shabu and arrested a suspected drug pusher during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Candau-ay nearing midnight Monday.
Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said in a Philippine News Agency report Sept. 10 that the 40-year-old male suspect, of Purok Iba, Barangay Palinpinon, Valencia town, is classified as a “high-value individual” on the police’s list.
He was arrested at around 11:45 p.m. while allegedly selling shabu to an undercover agent in Purok Yellow Tops, Barangay Candau-ay, and police seized about 250 grams of suspected shabu during the operation.
In addition to drug-related arrests, 112 suspects engaged in illegal gambling activities were also apprehended, and P11,336 in bet money confiscated, the PRO7 said.
Operations targeting loose firearms led to the recovery of 30 unregistered guns, while 14 individuals were arrested for illegal possession.
A total of 49 individuals with standing warrants of arrest were also apprehended, 10 of them identified as high-priority suspects.
P/Brig. General Anthony Aberin, PRO7 director, credited the success of these operations to the strong support from the community.
“We are implementing comprehensive strategies to effectively address criminality in the region. In launching these police operations, we put premium on adherence to Police Operational Procedures and observance of human rights,” he added in a statement.
Aberin lauded the efforts of law enforcement personnel who consistently prioritize community safety and security, while upholding adherence to police operational procedures. ||
