8 most wanted, P8M worth of drugs seized in back-to-back ops – PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested eight individuals on their most wanted list and seized more than P8 million worth of illegal drugs on the first two days of the year.

In a statement on Friday, PNP said they carried out several operations between 10 p.m. on January 1 to 9 a.m. on January 2 nationwide.

As a result, they were able to arrest the Top 2, Top 3, Top 4, Top 6, Top 9, and Top 10 Most Wanted Persons involved in serious crimes in different parts of the country.

All 8 suspects are now under custody and set to face legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the police reported that they destroyed 7,000 fully grown marijuana plants worth P1.4 million in Kalinga and seized 1,030 grams of shabu worth P7.4 million at a buy-bust operation in Cebu City.

They also nabbed a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the said operation.

The total value of illegal drugs seized by the police added up to P8.8 million.

“We are starting 2026 with firm and focused police action. These results show that our personnel remain vigilant — even during the holidays — because public safety does not take a break… This is about protecting communities, enforcing the law fairly, and making sure that criminals are held accountable,” said PNP Acting Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“Hindi pang-isang taon lang [ang Bagong Pilipinas]... This will continue to guide us every day — sa lansangan, sa komunidad, at sa bawat operasyon — so that the public sees and feels a police force they can trust,” he added. — Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News