By Jennifer P. Rendon
Nearly PHP 40 million worth of illegal drugs were seized during a monthlong anti-illegal drugs campaign in Western Visayas.
The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) reported the confiscation of approximately 5,834 grams of shabu valued at PHP 39.67 million and 2,516 grams of marijuana worth PHP 302,000.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) recorded the highest volume of drug seizures, amounting to PHP 11.1 million.
Following closely was the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) with PHP 10.8 million worth of illegal drugs, while the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) ranked third with PHP 9.4 million.
The operations were a result of 254 anti-narcotics activities conducted in February, which led to the arrest of 334 suspects.
While BCPO logged the largest drug confiscation, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office recorded the most arrests, with 131 individuals apprehended, accounting for 39.22 percent of the total arrests. BCPO arrested 65 drug personalities, followed by ICPO with 63 arrests.
Additionally, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office apprehended 48 individuals, while the Capiz Police Provincial Office (PPO) and Aklan PPO made eight arrests each. Antique PPO recorded six arrests, and Guimaras PPO apprehended five suspects.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, attributed the success to the collective efforts of the police, the community, local government units, and other law enforcement agencies.
“Everyone’s contributions were vital in arresting these illegal drug peddlers. To those who continue engaging in the illicit trade, expect intensified law enforcement operations to hold you accountable for your actions,” Wanky said.
