CRACKDOWN. Operatives of Silay City Police Station in Negros Occidental recover PHP1.156 million in shabu and two firearms during a buy-bust in Barangay Mambulac on Jan. 10, 2024. The PNP on Monday (Jan. 22) reported that it has seized PHP132 million worth of illegal drugs in the first 18 days of the year. (Photo courtesy of Silay City Police Station)
MANILA – Police authorities seized PHP132 million worth of illegal drugs in the first 18 days of the year, the country's top cop said Monday.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said 1,376 anti-illegal drugs operations were launched from Jan. 1 to 18, resulting in the arrest of 1,661 drug suspects.
Meanwhile, Acorda said 4,614 personnel underwent random drug testing from Jan. 1 to 22, composed of 4,517 uniformed personnel and 97 non-uniformed personnel (NUP).
He said six cops– three patrolmen, a staff sergeant, a master sergeant and a chief master sergeant– have tested positive for illegal drugs in a series of drug tests during the period.
Of the six, five were from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and one from Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas).
“We will ensure that appropriate charges are filed to address this issue and uphold the uncompromising principles of a drug-free police force,” Acorda said.
Meanwhile, Acorda said no major incidents were reported throughout the celebrations of the Feast of Sto. Niño nationwide - the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, and the Lakbayaw in Tondo, Manila over the weekend. (PNA)
