Taiz:Negros Oriental Police in Negros Oriental confiscated PHP8.9 million worth of suspected shabu during 49 anti-illegal drug operations in October, coinciding with the province's festival month.
According to Philippines News Agency, Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), indicated that the police anticipated a rise in drug activity prior to the Buglasan Festival, which took place from October 15 to 25.
In the first week of October alone, approximately PHP8 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a single operation, believed to have been intended for distribution during the festival. NOrPPO records show that between October 1 and 29, police arrested two high-value targets and 47 street-level suspects allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
The operations resulted in the confiscation of around 1,310 grams (1.3 kilograms) of suspected shabu, valued at over PHP8.909 million. Polinar mentioned that police efforts are being intensified during the long weekend and beyond, as many people return to their hometowns for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
For the safety of the public during the observance of "Undas," NOrPPO is on full alert from Friday until November 3. More than 1,500 security personnel, including those from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other force multipliers, have been deployed throughout the province.
