CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- A total of 1,891 drug personalities in this province were arrested in 1,486 anti-illegal drugs operations conducted by the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) since the start of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Project Double Barrel in July 2016.
Records from the NEPPO also showed that among those arrested were 72 high value targets (HVTs). It also recorded the deaths of 72 drug personalities who reportedly chose to fight with authorities.
Speaking before policemen and guests during the celebration of the 116th Police Service Anniversary here Monday, Police Senior Supt. Antonio Yarra credited the success of the police anti-drugs campaign to multi-sectoral collaboration.
Yarra launched the United Stand Against Dangerous Drugs (USAD), a collaboration of government and non-government sectors, upon his assumption as NEPPO director several months ago.
NEPPO has recovered 258 firearms and 179 ammunitions from various anti-narcotics and other anti-criminality operations. On top of gains from anti-illegal drugs, some 633 wanted persons were arrested from January to date. (PNA)
