Police in Central Visayas region seized over P1 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs and cleared 206 villages of drug activity in the first eight months of 2024, officials said.

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) conducted 4,818 anti-drug operations from January to August 2024, resulting in the arrest of 5,628 suspects.

Authorities confiscated 144.15 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at P980 million pesos. They also seized marijuana and Nubain, a prescription painkiller often abused as a narcotic, bringing the total value of seized drugs to more than P986 million pesos.

PRO7 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said 71% of the region’s 3,003 villages have been declared drug-free by the Regional Oversight for Drug Clearing Operations.

The drug clearing process involves arresting all suspected drug dealers in a village and enrolling identified drug users in community-based rehabilitation programs.

Aberin said 30 more villages will be evaluated for drug-free status on Sept. 26.

“Our efforts in ending the menace of illegal drugs are gaining significant grounds,” Aberin said. He emphasized that anti-crime efforts would continue.

The anti-drug campaign is part of a nationwide effort to combat illegal drug trade and use in the country.

DAUIS BUY-BUST

A joint operation by the PNP and anti-narcotics agents led to the arrest of three suspects in a buy-bust operation in Dauis, Bohol, on September 23, 2024.

The operation, conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Maritime Police, Dauis police, and Philippine Coast Guard intelligence, resulted in the seizure of 10 grams of shabu (methamphetamine) worth P68,000 pesos.

The suspects, identified as Arnold Rontsl Alconava, alias “Jimnoy”, Vanessa Telmo, and Juniel Abuyabor Abanto, all residents of barangay Totolan, Dauis, were taken into custody.

According to authorities, Alconava was suspected of maintaining a drug den and was under surveillance prior to the operation.

The three suspects are facing charges of violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and are currently in custody.

P1.7M SHABU

Police authorities seized approximately 260 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) worth P1.7 million pesos in a buy-bust operation in barangay Totolan, Dauis, Bohol, on September 21, 2024.

The suspect, identified as Mark Jason Catabay, 36, a resident of barangay Totolan, was arrested during the operation. He is considered a high-value individual.

Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin praised the successful operation, which was part of a series of anti-illegal drug operations in Bohol.

A poseur buyer was used to transact with the suspect, leading to his arrest. Authorities also seized alleged drug paraphernalia from the suspect.

The seized evidence has been submitted for chemical analysis, and the suspect is facing charges of violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He is currently in custody.

TAGBILARAN SHABU SUPPLIER

Police are tracking down a suspected shabu supplier after seizing P2.1 million pesos worth of the illicit substance from two suspects in a buy-bust operation in barangay Cabawan, Tagbilaran City on September 20.

Dustin Galao and Lord Rizaly Acain were arrested in the operation, and police are now working to identify the source of the shabu, according to Tagbilaran City Police Station chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober.

Escober said the city’s porous borders make it challenging to monitor the flow of drugs into the area, but he expressed hope that the community would help authorities tackle the problem.

Intelligence reports suggest that the arrest of the two suspects has already led to a reduction in the supply of illicit drugs in the area, with the suspects believed to have been peddling the substance in neighboring areas.

Escober called on the community to cooperate with the police in solving crimes such as the drug trade.

LEGITIMACY OF ANTI-DRUG OPERATION

The chief of the Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) has defended the legitimacy of a recent anti-drug operation that netted P2.1 million pesos worth of alleged shabu, amid allegations of anomalies.

Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober said the operation, which took place in barangay Cabawan on September 20, was conducted above board and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Escober’s statement comes after some social media users questioned the authenticity of the operation, claiming that the suspects were arrested elsewhere and then brought to Cabawan.

“We are ready to answer any complaint that will be filed against us,” Escober said, adding that the police are committed to transparency and accountability in their operations.

Two suspects, Dustin Galao, 29, and Lord Rizali Acain, 38, were arrested in the operation and are currently facing charges.

P1M SHABU IN TAGBILARAN

A woman has been arrested in the Philippines after police seized more than P1 million worth of alleged shabu in a sting operation.

Renedette Goloso, 35, also known as Badette, was detained on September 26, 2024 in Corella town after a buy-bust operation was conducted by police and operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The operation, which took place in barangay Anislag, involved a poseur buyer who allegedly transacted with the suspect, leading to her arrest.

Police seized seven packets containing alleged shabu, weighing a total of 160 grams.

Ms Goloso, who is from barangay Cabawan in Tagbilaran City, is expected to face charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.