SEIZED. The confiscated illegal drugs in one of the operations conducted in Central Luzon from July 17-23, 2023. More than PHP5.5 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in the weeklong operations in the region. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) has confiscated more than PHP5.5 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 147 suspects were arrested during weeklong anti-drug operations in Central Luzon.
In his report on Monday, PRO-3 regional director Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. said from July 17-23, the police confiscated some 817.61 grams of shabu and 48.98 grams of marijuana with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board value of PHP5,565,652.
He said the biggest haul of illegal drugs was the PHP1.2-million shabu seized from three drug suspects in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tangos, Baliwag City, Bulacan on July 19.
“The results of the operations prove that there are still a lot of illegal drugs circulating in the streets. Hence, we will keep on working day in and day out to stop the use and proliferation of any form of drugs prohibited by our law,” Hidalgo said in a statement.
Aside from illegal drugs, he said the PRO3 has also intensified its campaign against wanted persons, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal gambling activities as part of its continuing efforts to maintain peace and order in the region.
He said of the 156 arrested fugitives, 19 are most wanted persons and 137 others committed various crimes ranging from murder, frustrated murder and rape.
“Let this be a reminder to all wanted persons to submit yourselves to the authorities because the Philippine National Police is relentless in its efforts to pursue individuals charged with crimes,” Hidalgo said.
He said at least 14 firearms were confiscated under the PRO-3’s campaign against loose firearms.
“We have been continuously beefing up our aggressive drive to recover and seize loose firearms. May this serve as a stern warning to all especially those who have not yet renewed their licenses or turned over their undocumented firearms in their nearest police stations for safekeeping,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hidalgo said 135 persons were arrested for illegal gambling operations that led to the confiscation of PHP58,545 in money bets. (PNA)
