Negros oriental: Police in Negros Oriental have seized more than PHP128.5 million worth of suspected shabu in the province since January 1, an official reported on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated that during this period, 477 individuals were arrested in 453 anti-illegal drug operations throughout the province. In addition to the shabu, authorities also confiscated approximately 208 grams of suspected marijuana, valued at over PHP37,000.
Lt. Polinar explained that the suspects were apprehended during regular police operations or while conducting Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO). Provincial police records indicate that among the arrested individuals, 57 were classified as high-value targets, 402 were street-level offenders, and 18 were not previously listed in the roster of known drug personalities.
The most recent arrests occurred during buy-bust operations in Guihulngan City and Bayawan City early Tuesday morning, where two suspects were caught with about PHP15,000 worth of suspected shabu. Another suspect was detained over the weekend, in possession of more than PHP2 million worth of the illegal substance.
As the Christmas season approaches, Lt. Polinar emphasized that the NOrPPO is intensifying intelligence activities and has bolstered police operations to trace the sources of illegal drugs in the province.
