BY RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – The police confiscated approximately P15.7 million worth of shabu and arrested six individuals in three separate antidrug operations across Western Visayas on October 17.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) led the coordinated efforts.
BCPO seized one kilogram of shabu with an estimated street value of P6.8 million in a buy-bust operation in Purok Masinadyahon, Barangay 12, Bacolod City.
The operation, which took place at around 12:54 p.m., resulted in the arrest of a high-value suspect identified as alias “Mar-Mar”, 33, a resident of Barangay 12, Bacolod City.
The suspect had been under surveillance for an extended period before his apprehension.
In Iloilo City, ICPO conducted another major operation in Barangay Tacas, Jaro district at 9:24 p.m., where alias “Boss Jan-Jan”, 30, was arrested.
The police recovered a total of 1,285 grams of shabu, valued at P8.74 million. This included 220 grams worth P1.5 million, which were turned over by the suspect’s cousin, alias “Yder.”
Earlier in the day, a third buy-bust operation at 4:20 p.m. in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, led to the arrest of alias “Nonoy Bogart”, 48, who was found with 65 grams of shabu, valued at P442,000.
ICPO director Colonel Kim Legada praised the joint efforts of the police, community, and other law enforcement agencies, stating, “These are clear indications of our strong partnership, collaboration, and coordination. (But) despite our notable gains, our intensified campaign against illegal drugs will continue at a high level.”
Meanwhile, the Aklan Police Provincial Office confiscated P6,800 worth of shabu, and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office arrested three suspects, recovering P37,400 worth of illegal drugs.
Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Jack Wanky lauded the operatives and stakeholders for their commitment to the region’s anti-drug efforts.
“We are thankful for the support extended by the community and other law enforcement agencies. These arrests should serve as a warning to those still engaged in illegal drug activities: the long arms of the law will catch up with you,” Wanky said.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
