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PDEA-12 nabs 257, seizes P12-M illegal drugs in 3 months

By Edwin Fernandez

April 18, 2023, 11:08 am

<p>PNA file photo of PDEA-12 Regional Director Aileen Lovitos.</p>

PNA file photo of PDEA-12 Regional Director Aileen Lovitos.

COTABATO CITY – Authorities arrested 257 drug personalities for violation of anti-drug law while PHP12 million worth of shabu were seized during the first quarter of the year, an anti-narcotics official here said Tuesday.  

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Soccsksargen  (PDEA-12) Director Aileen Lovitos said the arrested drug personalities included 31 high-value targets in 227 anti-illegal drug operations in the region during the period.

“A total of PHP12.1 million worth of shabu and marijuana hemp have been confiscated,” Lovitos said in a statement.

Of the total, she specified that 1,159.3 grams of shabu, 577.4 grams of dried marijuana leaves and 21,000 fully grown marijuana hills were uprooted.

Currently, she noted that only 114 out of 1,095 villages in the Soccsksargen region have remained “drug-affected”.

Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of Gen. Santos, Kidapawan, Tacurong, and Koronadal.

Fake PDEA agents

Meanwhile, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Mindanao (BARMM), anti-narcotics officials have warned about individuals posing as PDEA drug enforcement agents.

PDEA-BARMM Director Christian O. Frivaldo said they received reports on several individuals who introduced themselves as PDEA agents and used the agency's name, uniform and insignia in committing illegal activities.

“Usurpers, stop or be apprehended,” Frivaldo warned individuals masquerading as PDEA agents, even as he encouraged the public to report to PDEA-BARMM any similar incidents involving suspicious characters.

Unauthorized wearing of PDEA uniforms or insignia is punishable under the revised penal code, he said. (PNA)

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