PNP: P17.1M shabu seized, 11 suspects arrested in 5 drug busts in Western Visayas

Authorities confiscated over P17.1 million in suspected shabu and arrested 11 drug suspects in five operations in the Western Visayas that were carried out in a span of 24 hours, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

In a statement, the PNP said the recovered illegal drugs weighed more than 2.5 kilos and were worth P17.142 million.

The Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6’s carefully-planned operation led to the arrest of three high value drug suspects and the seizure of 2.055 kilos of suspected shabu valued at P13.97 million.

The Iloilo Provincial Police Office conducted three separate operations that ended up in the apprehension of seven suspects, of which two were high value targets.

Police confiscated around 465 grams of suspected shabu worth P3.16 million, as well as drug paraphernalia and marked money used in the drug bust operations.

Meanwhile, the Capiz Provincial Police Office arrested one street-level drug suspect and seized one gram of shabu worth P6,800.

Charges of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022 are being prepared against the arrested suspects.

“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay na nananatiling matatag ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagtugis sa mga indibidwal na patuloy na nagpapalaganap ng ipinagbabawal na gamot sa ating mga komunidad,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

(These successful operations are proof of our steadfast campaign against illegal drugs. We will not stop in going after individuals who continue to spread illegal drugs in our communities.)

He also urged the public to continue supporting anti-narcotics campaign by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“Malaki ang papel ng mamamayan sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at maayos na pamayanan. Kapag nagtutulungan ang pulisya at komunidad, mas nagiging epektibo ang ating mga hakbang laban sa kriminalidad at ilegal na droga,” Nartatez added.

(Our citizens play a big role in maintaining a safe and orderly community. When the police and the community work together, our measures against crime and illegal drugs become more effective.) — JMA, GMA News