Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday reported the seizure of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP16.6 million in a series of anti-illegal drug operations in Pampanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Rizal, and Catanduanes. In a statement, the PNP said government authorities intercepted an abandoned inbound parcel containing about 974 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP6.6 million at a cargo area inside the Clark Freeport Zone on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in Mandaue City, a buy-bust operation on Monday led to the arrest of a high-value individual (HVI) and the confiscation of about 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP3.4 million. Another operation in Estancia, Iloilo, before midnight the same day resulted in the arrest of another identified HVI and the recovery of about 254 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP1.7 million.
In Virac, Catanduanes, joint anti-drug operatives arrested two identified HVIs on Monday and confiscated about 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP3.4 million. Meanwhile, police operatives in Taytay, Rizal arrested another suspect in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday and seized about 180 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP1.2 million. The arrested suspects and confiscated evidence were turned over to the proper authorities for documentation and legal disposition.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the successful operations and stressed the importance of sustained coordination among agencies and communities. "Patuloy nating palalakasin ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga sa pamamagitan ng maayos na koordinasyon, maingat na operasyon, at paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa. Hindi tayo titigil hangga't may mga ilegal na gawain na naglalagay sa panganib sa ating mga komunidad (We will continue to strengthen our campaign against illegal drugs through proper coordination, careful operations, and respect for everyone's rights. We will not stop as long as illegal activities endanger our communities)," he said.
