1 week ago
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ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) dealt a major blow to the illegal drug trade with the confiscation of P7.5 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calumpang, Molo, on Tuesday afternoon, March 4.
The operation marked the largest drug recovery in the city this year, surpassing the P4.08-million haul recorded in January.
Two suspects, including a regional top-listed drug personality, were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Alias "Ariane," 48, of Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, and his alleged accomplice, alias "Toto," 32, a security guard from Barangay Dacuton, Capiz.
Authorities recovered 1.1 kilograms of shabu, buy-bust money, and other non-drug-related items.
ICPO director Col. Kim Legada assured the public that his personnel remain steadfast in its mission to combat illegal drugs and urged citizens to report any drug-related activities to the police.
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"Let this serve as a strong warning to those who are still involved in illegal drugs — we will not stop until we put an end to your illegal activities," he added.
City Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the city's strong stance against illegal drugs and its commitment to protecting communities.
"This decisive operation [...] underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities and eradicating the drug menace. We will not allow these substances to destroy the future of our youth or disturb the peace of our neighborhoods," the mayor said.
P40-M drugs in February
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) reported the arrest of 334 suspects and the confiscation of around 5,834 grams of shabu valued at P39.67 million, along with 2,516 grams of marijuana worth P302,000 in February.
The combined total value of seized drugs that reached nearly P40 million was a result of 254 operations conducted across the region.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office recorded the highest number of arrests with 131 suspects, accounting for 39.22 percent of the total.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Iloilo City Police Office followed with 65 and 63 arrests, respectively.
In terms of drug confiscation, BCPO seized the largest volume, totaling P11.1 million worth of illegal drugs, followed by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office with P10.8 million and ICPO with P9.4 million.
