SEIZED. The confiscated pieces of evidence in one of the operations conducted in Central Luzon on June 19-25, 2023. More than PHP4 million worth of illegal drugs and 227 drug suspects were arrested in the region during weeklong operations conducted by the Police Regional Office-3. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – More than PHP4 million worth of illegal drugs were seized and some 227 drug suspects were arrested in Central Luzon as a result of weeklong operations conducted by the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3).
Data from PRO-3 showed that from June 19 to 25, there were 158 operations against illegal drug activities that led to the confiscation of some 580 grams of shabu and 993 grams of marijuana with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board total value of PHP4,063,352.
“I commend our troops for a job well done. This goes to show that we will have no letup in our waging battle against illegal drugs which is also in line with the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program of DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government),” PRO-3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. said in a news program on Monday.
Aside from illegal drugs, Hidalgo said the PRO-3 also intensified its campaign against wanted persons, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal gambling activities as part of their 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 like murder, frustrated murder, and rape.
Hidalgo said the constant arrests of persons sought by law were the result of extensive manhunt and surveillance by combined units.
He said at least 15 individuals were nabbed for illegal possession of 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 195 persons were arrested for illegal gambling operations that led to the confiscation of PHP87,979 in money bets. (PNA)
