Western Visayas: Recent intensified anti-drug operations yielded PHP3.69 million worth of shabu and arrested 21 drug personalities in Western Visayas.

According to Philippines News Agency, a report by the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) said around 543 grams of shabu were seized during the 15 operations launched by various police units from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Tuesday. Four of the arrested suspects were tagged as high value individuals and 17 were street level individuals.

In a statement, PRO 6 Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky vowed to sustain their campaign to eradicate illegal drugs as well as to strengthen their collaboration with stakeholders. Based on the PRO 6 report, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office has the biggest combined drug haul reaching PHP3.2 million, followed by the Iloilo City Police Office with PHP306,000 and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office with PHP82,000.

Meanwhile, one-day regionwide manhunt operations on Monday arrested 61 wanted persons, 17 of them considered “most wanted.” The suspects are now under police custody and will be turned over to the concerned courts.

In Pampanga, authorities intercepted a parcel containing 1,282 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP8.7 million at the UPS Freeport Zone, Clarkfield on Feb. 10, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) said Tuesday. In a statement, PDEG acting chief Col. Rolando Cuya said the shipper was identified as alias Jerry from the United States and the consignee, alias Alex from Cavite.

Cuya said no one was arrested, but he commended the efforts of the Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (CRK-IADITG), where the PDEG is a member, for its vigilance in intercepting illegal shipments. ‘This operation highlights the importance of cooperation among agencies in combating drug trafficking. Excellent work, and keep up the great efforts,’ he said.