By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) seized illegal drugs worth P20,335,776.70 from January to June this year.
The bulk of the haul came from the recovery of 2,985.667 grams of suspected shabu valued at P20,302,535.60.
The confiscated 38.865 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves was valued at P5,441.10, while 139 full-grown marijuana plants were valued at P27,800.
A total of 486 anti-drug operations led to the arrest of 598 individuals in the first half of this year, marking an increase from 431 operations and 537 arrests last year. This reflects an increase of 55 operations and 61 apprehensions compared to last year.
The value of drugs recovered this year increased by P8,135,368.40, up from P12,167,167.20 in 2023.
Police Captain Wilma Silva, public information officer of Nocppo, credited the significant increase in drug recovery to the provincial police force’s initiatives against illegal drugs.
These initiatives include strict observance of the Integrated Police Deployment Plan (IPDP) and support from the advocacy group Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT).
The provincial police continue to strengthen their anti-drug campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in communities.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man from Cadiz City was arrested in a drug bust in Barangay 13, Victorias City, last Wednesday, resulting in the confiscation of 20 grams of suspected shabu worth P136,000.
