P4.9M worth of ‘shabu’ seized in weeklong WV drug stings

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Almost P5 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were seized during the weeklong anti-illegal drug operations in Western Visayas.

The series of drug stings is part of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6’s Birada Birada Semana, which ran from July 10 to July 16.

Birada Semana is a weeklong enhanced managing police operations (E-MPO) and focused police operation on anti-criminality, wanted persons, illegal drugs, and illegal gambling.

During the said period, different PRO-6 units conducted 65 anti-illegal drug operations that resulted in the arrest of 86 persons.

The seized illegal drugs weighed 721.841 grams with a total value of P4,908,518.80.

As usual, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) topped the most number of operations at 27 or 41.54 percent.

The Iloilo PPO tailed at 14 while the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) conducted 9 operations; Bacolod City PO with 8; Capiz PPO with 5; and Antique PPO and Guimaras PPO with one each.

The Aklan PPO and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 did not conduct any operation in the said period.

Last month’s Birada Semana resulted in 66 anti-drug operations with more than P8.7 million worth of suspected drugs seized.

During Birada Semana in May 2023, 66 anti-drug operations were also conducted but the seized drugs only amounted to almost P2.6 million.

Major Mary Grace Borio, PRO-6 spokesperson, explained that the volume of supply varies, which also dictated the volume of seizures.

“We also take into consideration there are police units that made big arrests beyond the Birada Semana period,” she said.

In the case of zero drug operation for Aklan, Borio said that it should be taken into consideration that Aklan registered a 100 percent barangay anti-drug clearing rate since January 2022.

“And besides, we’re looking now at the monthly accomplishments of our units. Some performed well before the Birada Semana period,” she said.