BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO City – There are no organized drug groups currently identified in Western Visayas.
Ongoing investigations have yet to confirm the presence of any structured narcotics syndicates, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, the spokesperson for the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
“Our investigations are continuous, and although we receive numerous tips and information, none have yet confirmed the existence of organized groups controlling the drug trade,” stressed Solis.
He further clarified that the majority of drug-related activities are carried out by individuals acting alone.
In a recent crackdown on narcotics, PRO-6 arrested 22 individuals and confiscated illegal drugs valued at approximately P2.7 million, weighing a total of 397 grams, during 20 separate operations conducted across the region from July 5 to 6.
Out of those apprehended, four were classified as high-value individuals (HVIs), and 18 as street-level individuals (SLIs).
The police units contributing to these operations included Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Offices, Bacolod City Police Office, Iloilo City Police Office, and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6.
All suspects are currently in custody and will face charges under the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Solis also mentioned that PRO-6 is working closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to further investigate and validate these findings./PN
