Manila: More than 4,000 individuals were arrested and PHP469.8 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated during nationwide anti-drug operations conducted from June 1 to 20, police said Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that 3,420 anti-illegal drug operations were carried out nationwide during this period. These operations led to the arrest of 4,168 individuals and the seizure of various illegal drugs, including shabu, marijuana, and cocaine.

Among the police units that posted significant accomplishments were the Police Regional Office - Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR), which confiscated more than PHP225.3 million worth of illegal drugs, followed by Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) with PHP52.3 million, and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) with PHP28.9 million. These regional offices accounted for a substantial portion of the total value of illegal drugs seized during the reporting period, the PNP said.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended police personnel nationwide for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out the anti-drug campaign. "Ang mga resulta na ito ay patunay ng sama-samang pagkilos ng ating mga kapulisan at mga komunidad laban sa ilegal na droga. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating mga operasyon sa paraang maayos, legal, at may paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat mamamayan (These results are proof of the collective action of our police forces and communities against illegal drugs. We will continue to intensify our operations in a manner that is orderly, legal, and respectful of the rights of every citizen)," he said.

Nartatez emphasized that the campaign is ultimately aimed at protecting families and communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.