By Perla Lena

ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN. The amount of shabu seized during anti-drug operations in Barangay Bito-on, Jaro District, Iloilo City on Thursday night (Oct. 17, 2024). The 24-hour operations launched by various police units in Western Visayas from 6 a.m. yielded 2,318 grams of shabu valued at more than PHP15.76 million and resulted in the arrest of nine suspects. (Photo courtesy of ICPO)

ILOILO CITY–The 24-hour anti-drug operations by various police units in Western Visayas from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday yielded 2,318 grams of shabu worth PHP15.76 million.

The operations also led to the arrest of nine suspects, based on the data of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recorded the highest single haul accomplishment, the report showed.

The ICPO recorded the biggest combined confiscation for two separate operations, valued at PHP8.73 million, followed by the BCPO with PHP6.98 million.

The BCPO arrested alias “Marmar,” resident of Purok Masinadyahon, Barangay 12, Bacolod City, on Thursday afternoon.

The ICPO arrested alias “Boss Janjan” during a buy-bust in C1 Road, Barangay Tacas, and alias “Yder” in a separate operation in Barangay Bito-on on Thursday night.

Marmar and Boss Janjan each had in their possession 1,000 grams of the illegal drugs, while Hyder surrendered 220 grams.

PRO-6 regional director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky thanked the community and the other law enforcement agencies, citing that the partnership greatly contributed to the success of the anti-drug campaign.

Mayor Jerry Treñas on Friday urged the ICPO to go beyond the street and high-value operations and run after the masterminds.

He commended operating units, particularly the City Drug Enforcement Unit, for their steadfast efforts against illegal drugs.

He added that the city government will “continue to fully support their relentless pursuit of a drug-free city.” (PNA)