LEGAZPI CITY - The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) arrested 110 individuals involved in illegal drug transactions during operations conducted in the region's six provinces in September. In a report on Wednesday, PRO-5 spokesperson, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, said a total of 115 drug operations were conducted, including buy-busts and service of warrants of arrest and search warrants. "Among the 110 arrested drug personalities, 17 were included as high-value individuals and 93 were street-level individuals," she said. Calubaquib said the arrest of drug personalities resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PHPP3.69 million, which includes 530.01 grams of suspected shabu and 768.83 grams of marijuana. Among the Bicol provinces, Masbate recorded the largest haul with PHP969,060 worth of illegal drugs confiscated, followed by Camarines Sur with PHP930,034.80; Albay with PHP734,040; Camarines Norte, PHP298,070.04; Naga City, PHP296,312; Catanduanes, PHP256,360; and Sorsog on, PHP212,480. PRO-5 Director, Brig. Gen. Andre P. Dizon, said they would continue to work closely with local communities, barangay leaders, and stakeholders to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, ensuring that high-value drug personalities are brought to justice. "The focus is on cutting off the flow of illegal drugs into the region, particularly targeting individuals and organizations profiting from the trade," he said. Dizon said PRO-5 aims to minimize violence in anti-drug operations, striving for a peaceful approach while still delivering decisive results. 'We want to send a clear message to the people of Bicol: The Philippine National Police is here to protect you. We will address the drug problem, but we will do it without resorting to bloodshed,' he added. Source: Philippines News Agency