By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – Over PHP114 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated and 973 suspects arrested in anti-drug operations conducted from January to August this year, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported Monday.
PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Bagagay Jr. said the confiscated drugs from 892 operations included 80,647.41 grams of marijuana and 15,478.47 grams of shabu.
Of the 973 individuals, 101 are high-value and 872 are street-level individuals.
A total of 1,678 cases were filed against the violators involved in the illegal drug trade.
Camarines Norte registered the highest value of confiscated drugs amounting to PHP49.9 million; followed by Camarines Sur with PHP34 million; Albay with PHP14 million; Naga City with PHP11.6 million; Masbate with PHP3.9 million; Catanduanes with PHP907,259.60, and Sorsogon with PHP296,700.80.
Babagay said in operations against loose firearms, police carried out 738 operations, resulting in the arrest of 182 persons and 708 firearms confiscated, surrendered, or captured. About 431 firearms were voluntarily turned over for safekeeping.
In the same period, 61 New People’s Army (NPA) members were arrested, eight were neutralized, and 206 voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
About 161 firearms and 423 explosives were recovered.
PRO-5 also recorded 2,952 wanted persons charged with various crimes. (PNA)
