Naga city: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) announced Thursday the apprehension of four drug suspects and the confiscation of PHP6.37 million worth of shabu through three buy-bust operations in Camarines Sur over the past three days.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations were conducted in Naga City (June 23), Baao (June 24), and in Libmanan (June 25), all in Camarines Sur. In Naga City, the PRO-5 arrested two drug suspects from Quezon City during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Del Rosario. Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, identified the suspects as 'James,' 38, a high-value suspect, and his cohort, 'Romy,' also 38. Both suspects are residents of Tandang Sora, Quezon City. Confiscated during the operation were five transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu drugs with a total weight of 180 grams and a street value of PHP1.2 million. Also recovered from the suspects was an unlicensed 9mm revolver with five rounds of ammunition.

In Baao town, law enforcement authorities also arrested a high-value drug suspect from Makati City and confiscated 700 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP4.76 million, along with two firearms and ammunition, during a buy-bust on Wednesday. During the operation, alias "Jose," 32, was arrested. He was temporarily living in Baao and is a permanent resident of East Rembo, Makati City. Recovered from the suspect's possession were 10 plastic sachets of shabu. Also seized from Jose were a .45-caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, and ammunition. Following his arrest, the suspect was subsequently brought to the Baao MPS for documentation and proper disposition.

In Libmanan town, a drug suspect identified as 'Rey,' 48, was arrested after being found in possession of 16 plastic sachets of shabu weighing 70 grams with a street price of PHP476,000. In a statement Thursday, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda commended the operating units for their successful operation and reiterated the organization's commitment to relentlessly pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade. "The arrest of the drug personalities and the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs demonstrate the firm commitment of PRO-5 and our partner agencies to rid our communities of the menace of illegal drugs. Every successful operation, regardless of scale, greatly supports our mission to safeguard the public and prevent dangerous substances from reaching vulnerable sectors of society," he said.