Bacolod city: The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) recovered PHP228.216 million worth of illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes in the past four months, data on Monday showed.

According to Philippines News Agency, for the period May 8 to Sept. 6, drug enforcement units across the region seized 21,552 grams of shabu and 1,442.50 grams of marijuana, with a standard drug price of PHP146.73 million. The recoveries were from 792 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,039 drug personalities.

A total of 590 operations against cigarette smuggling led to 33 arrests and the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes amounting to PHP81.485 million. These accomplishments were part of the tenure of Brig. Gen. Romano Cardi±o, who ended his tour of duty as regional director over the weekend and was succeeded by Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales on Monday.

In a press statement, the PRO-NIR under Reales will have people-centered police service focused on maintaining peace and order, protecting communities, and responding to the needs of residents of Negros and Siquijor. The change in leadership also reinforces the importance of sustaining the gains already established by PRO-NIR while addressing emerging challenges with urgency and resolve.