By Mary Judaline Partlow

ILLEGAL DRUGS. The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) reported on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that relentless police operations in February led to the confiscation of suspected shabu valued at PHP 1.2 million. During the same period, 45 suspected drug pushers were arrested across the province, including five high-value individuals. (File photo courtesy of NorPPO)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Police authorities in Negros Oriental have seized over PHP1.2 million worth of suspected shabu in 42 anti-illegal drug operations across the province in February, an official said on Tuesday.

Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), said at a press conference that the accomplishment was due to the province’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs.

“Last month, during various police operations, five high-value individuals and 40 street-level individuals were arrested for illegal drug possession and selling,” Polinar said.

Meanwhile, during the same period, the campaign against loose firearms resulted in the arrest of eight people and the recovery/confiscation of 55 firearms, the NOrPPO spokesperson said.

Of the total, seven firearms were voluntarily surrendered, seven were recovered during Oplan Katok, and 41 were confiscated during other police operations.

Polinar also reported that 94 police operations against wanted persons were conducted in February.

These resulted in the arrest of 35 most wanted persons, including five at the regional, 12 at the provincial, 10 at the city, and eight at the municipal levels.

Polinar added that 59 other wanted individuals were arrested during the same period. (PNA)