Shabu seized in drug stings doubled in past five months

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Illegal drugs worth almost P186 million were seized in a series of anti-narcotics operations in Western Visayas in the past months.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) said that from June 1 to Oct. 31, different police units confiscated P185,932,833 worth of illegal drugs.

Major Mary Grace Borio, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the recent months’ seizure is double compared to drugs seized from Jan. 1 to May 23, the day Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor took oath as PRO-6 chief.

During the first five months of this year, PRO-6 said drug confiscations were pegged at 88,030,809.

In a press statement, PRO-6 said the statistics only manifested Villaflor’s intention to end the illegal drug menace in the region.

“As a matter of fact, one of Villaflor’s projects was the purchase of 15,000 drug test kits through the Philippine Anti-Drug Strategy (PADS) Fund because of his resolve to achieve 100% drug-tested organic personnel, have a drug-free workplace and to ensure the commitment to duty and integrity of every personnel in the region.”

Of the more than 13,600 organic personnel drug tested, only three turned out positive. Administrative charges were already filed against them.

“We cannot win this fight alone, we need the support of other government agencies and the communities to topple the ‘supply and demand’ of illegal drugs in the region. Let us do our own share in our fight against illegal drugs,” Villaflor said.