By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) recorded the largest drug haul in Western Visayas during the one-week Birada Semana anti-narcotics operation.
From Feb. 10 to 16, the IPPO conducted 13 anti-drug operations, resulting in the confiscation of 700 grams of shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP4,766,120.
This accounted for 40.5% of the region’s total PHP11,763,795 worth of illegal drugs seized.
The IPPO’s aggressive campaign is part of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6’s intensified Birada Semana operations.
Other Police Units’ Drug Busts
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) conducted 15 anti-drug operations, leading to the recovery of 412 grams of shabu worth PHP2.8 million.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) carried out 35 operations, the most in the region. However, they only confiscated 280 grams of shabu valued at PHP1.9 million.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) ranked fourth with 11 operations, leading to the seizure of 204 grams of shabu and 10 grams of marijuana worth PHP1.389 million.
The Antique PPO conducted only two operations but managed to confiscate PHP625,600 worth of shabu.
Capiz PPO followed with four operations, recovering PHP173,400 worth of shabu, while Guimaras PPO also had four operations, netting PHP88,640 worth of shabu.
At the bottom of the list, Aklan PPO conducted three operations, recovering only one gram of shabu and 45 grams of marijuana worth PHP12,200.
Arrests and Overall Seizure Data
During the weeklong operation, police arrested 111 individuals, including 19 high-value targets (HVIs) and 92 street-level pushers.
The PRO-6 reported nearly identical figures from last month’s Birada Semana, where authorities seized PHP11,767,944 worth of illegal drugs.
About Birada Semana
Birada Semana is a weeklong enhanced managing police operation (E-MPO) focused on anti-criminality efforts, targeting wanted persons, illegal drugs, and illegal gambling.
The campaign aims to intensify law enforcement efforts across Western Visayas and reduce crime rates in the region.
