PNP NegOr seizes illegal drugs worth P8M from Feb 6-May 6

DUMAGUETE CITY, May 19 (PIA) -- Officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Negros Oriental seized a total of P8-M worth of illegal drugs accumulated from its anti-illegal drug operations conducted from Feb. 6 to May 6 this year.

PNP Provincial Director PCOL. Julian Entoma reported this during a recent press briefing held at Visionaire’s Lounge, this city.

Entoma disclosed that PNP conducted 213 anti-illegal drug operations for the said period which led to the arrest of 322 persons involved in illegal drug trade and confiscation of about 1,311.901 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P8,920,926.80.

Incidentally, PNP was able to seize 66.51 grams of marijuana and 10 firearms during the said period.

Entoma noted about 91 anti-illegal drug operations were carried out from April 3 to May 6, or during the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Negros Oriental.

These operations resulted to the arrest of 148 individuals, confiscation of 608.98 grams of shabu equivalent to an estimated value of P4, 141, 064, 61.1 grams of marijuana, and 3 firearms during the ECQ period.

“Kung ikumpara mo, mataas-taas na period ang Feb. 6 to May 6 pero kung i-monthly mo to, mas marami pa rin iyong illegal drug peddlers or illegal drug persons arrested namin during ECQ (or) in one-month time only (If you compare it, Feb. 6 to May 6 is a long period but if you review it by month, most illegal drug peddlers were arrested during ECQ or in one months' time only),” Entoma said.

The PNP provincial director said majority of the anti-illegal drug operations were conducted in Dumaguete City.

Dumaguete City Police Chief PLTC. Wilfredo Alarcon said the city police station organized 134 anti-illegal drug operations as of May 12, 2020 and six of these were held from May 1.

Alarcon explained why illegal drug trade was still prevalent during ECQ when stringent measures were implemented to control the movement of people in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Katong month sa March naa pa man makasulod dire. Kumbaga makaimbak pa sila. Naa pa sila stock nila. For the month of March and April naa pa sila mga stock (Illegal drugs are still transported here in March. Illegal drug peddlers were able to store illegal drugs. That’s why they still have stocks during March and April),” Alarcon said.

However, the city police chief said the supply of drugs in the city has drastically decreased starting this month.

Alarcon said proof of this is the number of anti-illegal drug operations held from May 1 to May 12.

The Dumaguete City police chief pointed out that the city police officers did 35 anti-illegal drug operations, and 33 were done in April.

However, as of May 12, only six anti-illegal drug operations were carried out by the city police.

The street value of drugs have also increased two or three times from the original price which indicate that the supply has drastically reduced starting May.

Now that the province is under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), both officials assured the public that the law enforcement agency will continue to go after persons involved in the illegal drug trade in the province. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

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