Manila: The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13): reported the arrest of 109 suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs with a combined value of over PHP3.3 million in 97 anti-drug operations conducted from Aug. 1 to 25.

According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 493 grams of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and 17 grams of marijuana were confiscated during the period. The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) seized the highest value of illegal drugs at PHP1,052,300, leading to the arrest of 30 suspects.

It was followed by the Butuan City Police Office, which confiscated drugs worth PHP1,023,400 with 15 arrests, and the Agusan del Norte PPO, which seized PHP601,065 worth of drugs and arrested 13 suspects.

The arrested suspects, consisting of 39 high-value individuals and 70 street-level individuals, have all been charged with violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

'I commend our operatives for the success of these operations,' PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, said in a statement. He also urged residents to support the fight against illegal drugs by providing timely and relevant information to their nearest police stations.