CRACKDOWN. NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said Friday (May 17, 2024) that PHP85.8 million worth of illegal drugs were seized by police officers in the region from May 16 to 17. During the period, a total of 31 operations resulted in the arrest of 51 drug suspects. (Infographics courtesy of NCRPO)
MANILA – Police officers in Metro Manila seized PHP85.8 million worth of illegal drugs in two-day operations, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Friday.
Citing the latest data, Nartatez said this is equivalent to 12.6 kg. of shabu and 165 grams of marijuana, with an estimated street value of PHP85,882,256, and confiscated in 31 operations from May 16 to 17.
The contraband was seized from 51 arrested suspects, he added.
The suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The five districts covered by the NCRPO are the Manila Police District (MPD), Quezon City Police District (QCPD), Northern Police District (NPD), Southern Police District (SPD), and Eastern Police District (EPD).
During his speech at the opening of the 33rd Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ33) in Vienna, Austria on May 13, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has implemented various measures to combat crimes, such as the supply reduction efforts in the country’s war against drugs.
Abalos said approximately USD587 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in the administration’s first two years, which was a “700 percent increase from previous years and with minimal loss of life.”
28K barangays ‘drug-cleared’
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Friday that 28,662 out of 42,000 barangays (villages) across the country have been declared "drug-cleared" while authorities were still clearing 6,853 others as of April 30.
These barangays have reached drug-cleared status after the issuance of a certification by members of the oversight committee on the barangay drug-clearing program, the agency said in an advisory.
Citing its latest figures on the government’s anti-drug campaign, PDEA said 6,178 drug high-value targets (HVTs) across the country have been arrested since the start of the Marcos administration.
Authorities also arrested 92,901 individuals involved in illegal drugs in 68,296 operations and dismantled a total of 981 drug dens and a shabu laboratory over the same period.
A total of PHP43.03 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized, including 5,697.84 kg. of shabu, 77.81 kg. of cocaine, 55,088 pieces of ecstasy tablets, and 3,907.17 kg. of marijuana. (PNA)
