By Jennifer P. Rendon
Police in Western Visayas seized more than 7 kilos of suspected shabu or crystal meth valued at P50 million in just a month.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 records showed that different police units conducted 166 anti-illegal drug operations from Jan. 1 to 31, 2024.
These operations resulted in the confiscation of 7.596 kilograms of shabu with a standard drug price of P51,654,505.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has the highest volume of confiscated illegal drugs with 2.494 kilograms and valued at P16.964 million. These were recovered from 30 operations.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) scored P13.559 million worth of seized drugs, while the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, with only two anti-narcotics operations, seized illegal drugs valued at P8.909 million.
On the other hand, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) confiscated illegal drugs worth P7.942 million.
Negros Occidental PPO, which has the most number of anti-illegal drug operations at 55, confiscating shabu worth P2.370 million.
Capiz PPO seized P1.091 million worth of drugs; Antique PPO with P623,226; Guimaras PPO with P142,800; and Aklan PPO with only P60,326.
Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police chief, said that gains in their anti-illegal drugs campaign are a tangible testament to the collaborative dedication of all PRO-6 personnel, particularly the operatives working diligently on the ground.
It might be a long shot but Villaflor hoped that through multi-sectoral efforts, from the police forces down to the community and other agencies, he could still witness the day when Western Visayas will be free from the threats of illegal drugs.