Bataan: Four suspects were arrested and over PHP8 million worth of shabu were seized in two separate police anti-drug operations in the provinces of Bataan and Pampanga earlier this week.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) reported in a news release on Thursday that the first operation took place on Tuesday in Barangay San Benito in Dinalupihan, Bataan. A suspect identified only as "Mel Mel" was arrested, and authorities confiscated 180.5 grams of suspected shabu valued at approximately PHP1.23 million.

The subsequent day, anti-drug operatives apprehended three more suspects - "Jamil," 43, identified by police as a high-value target; "Roel," 41; and "Arnold," 43 - during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga. Seized from these suspects were two plastic bags and one large ziplock bag containing around 1,000 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of PHP6.8 million based on the standard drug price, as stated by the PRO-3.

The total estimated value of the confiscated drugs from both operations reached PHP8,027,400. All suspects are currently in police custody and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PRO-3 emphasized that these operations align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to intensify efforts against criminality nationwide.