The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized over P16.2 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested seven high-value individuals during a series of targeted anti-illegal drug operations across the Visayas and Central Luzon on August 14.
In total, the operations yielded 2,383.27 grams of suspected shabu valued at P16,206,236. In Mambusao, Capiz, a buy-bust operation resulted in the arrest of four high-value individuals and the confiscation of roughly 300 grams of suspected shabu worth P2.04 million, along with a loaded .38-caliber revolver. In Talibon, Bohol, police arrested two high-value targets after seizing around 622.4 grams of suspected shabu valued at P4.23 million in a separate buy-bust operation.
Officers in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, apprehended another high-value individual and recovered approximately 335.87 grams of suspected shabu worth P2.28 million.
Additionally, a search warrant execution in Panitan, Capiz, led to the recovery of about 200 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1.36 million. The subject of the warrant was absent and remains at large as follow-up operations continue. Meanwhile, at a cargo facility in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, a joint operation involving the PNP Aviation Security Group, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and National Bureau of Investigation intercepted an inbound parcel containing around 925 grams of suspected shabu worth P6.29 million. The seized material was transferred to the PDEA laboratory for formal testing.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the successful interdictions highlight the effectiveness of the police force’s strategy against high-tier drug operatives.
“This shows that our anti-drug operations are reaching high-value individuals and intercepting illegal drugs before they can enter our communities. We will sustain focused enforcement and pursue every lead that can help dismantle the illegal drug trade,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin hahayaan na maging daan ang ating mga komunidad sa pagkalat ng mga ipinagbabawal na gamot. Mananagot ang mga sangkot, at paiigtingin natin ang ating mga hakbang upang mapigilan ang kanilang operasyon (We will not allow our communities to become conduits for the spread of illegal drugs. Those involved will be held accountable, and we will intensify our measures to stop their operations),” he added.
PNP said these coordinated actions support its Focused Agenda, specifically the Enhanced Managing Police Operations designed to dismantle high-value drug personalities and interdict illegal drug shipments across the country.