Iloilo city: Over PHP13 million worth of shabu were confiscated and 71 drug personalities were arrested in February, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported Monday. The ICPO said the 57 anti-drug operations launched by various police in the city yielded more than 1.91 kilos of shabu, and led to the arrest of 23 high-value individuals and 48 street-level individuals.

According to Philippines News Agency, ICPO officer-in-charge Col. Wilbert Parilla stated that these significant accomplishments took place during major events such as the Jaro Fiesta, ASEAN meetings, and the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival. Col. Parilla emphasized that the anti-drug campaign is relentless, continuing regardless of any celebrations or normal days. The ICPO remains committed to intensifying its operations against illegal drug activities.

The volume of shabu seized in February was lower compared to January, when 51 anti-drug operations netted over two kilos of shabu valued at PHP23 million, resulting in 66 arrests. ICPO spokesperson Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines mentioned that the campaign against illegal drugs remains a priority, even amid leadership changes. She highlighted that in January, efforts were heightened due to intelligence reports of attempts to bring more illegal drugs into Iloilo City during the Dinagyang Festival.

Maj. Sangrines added that the ICPO collaborated with other units to monitor the entry of illegal drugs into the city. In a related incident, a farmer was arrested for possession of approximately 362 grams of shabu worth PHP2.46 million during a sting operation in Barangay San Antonio in Ajuy town on Saturday. The suspect, identified as alias 'Roman,' 38, is considered a high-value individual. The operation was conducted by the Ajuy Municipal Police Station in coordination with other law enforcement units.