LEGAZPI CITY – Close to PHP118 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in various drug stings mounted by the Bicol police during the first five months of this year, the Police Regional Office-5 said Friday.
Brig. Gen Anthony Alcañeses, Bicol police director, in an interview said 22 kilos of shabu and 42 grams of marijuana were seized by different police units in the region from January to May.
"The operation also resulted in the apprehension of 31 high value targets (HVTs) or watch-listed and 261 newly identified drug personalities. Among the notable drug operations was the neutralization of Dirimpasan Pangandang Unte, alias "Bong" a high value target who was slain in a shootout with police operatives at a drug operation on in Naga City in February. The drug sting yielded 107 grams of shabu worth PHP536,790," he said.
Included was the recovery of 20 kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP106 million that was intercepted at Matnog Port Area, Matnog, Sorsogon on January 16.
"Arrested were two drug couriers identified as Irish Yap Dela Peña and Jose Lani Abirido Rocaza, both residents of Muntinlupa City," Alcañeses said.
A police report also said 1,098 villages or 38 percent of the 2,783 drug-affected barangays in the region have been cleared.
Alcañeses said the Bicol police shall remain persistent in its efforts to curb and prevent the proliferation of illicit drugs in the region. It shall likewise strengthen police-community cooperation and ensure stakeholder support in the fight against illegal drugs, he added. (PNA)
