By Jennifer P. Rendon
Despite a series of anti-illegal drug operations, shabu and marijuana continue to circulate in Western Visayas.
On average, around P2 million worth of illegal drugs was seized daily in the region.
Police Regional Office (PRO) reports show that approximately 4.265 kilograms of shabu valued at P29 million and 20 kilos of marijuana worth P2.4 million were seized from May 1 to 15, 2024.
The recoveries resulted from 130 operations conducted across the region, leading to the arrest of 160 individuals.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (PPO) recorded the highest number of arrests with 57, followed by Iloilo PPO with 29. Iloilo City Police Office (CPO) logged 28 arrests, Bacolod CPO 20, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 with 11, Capiz PPO with six, Aklan PPO with five, Guimaras PPO with three, and Antique PPO with one.
While NOcPPO had a significant number of anti-narcotics operations, RPDEU-6 recorded the highest volume of shabu confiscation at 1.849 kilograms, valued at P12.5 million.
Notably, NOcPPO registered the only marijuana confiscation following the uprooting of 132 fully grown marijuana plants weighing about 20 kilograms in Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, on May 14.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, commended the unit commanders for their commitment to the campaign against illegal drugs.
“These arrests and seizures of illegal drugs demonstrate your dedication to your sworn duties. Keep the fire burning as we aim to arrest more individuals involved in the illegal drug trade,” he said.
Wanky also urged the public to support police authorities in the fight against illegal drugs by reporting those involved.
