741 nabbed, P15.7 million drugs seized in 24-hour operations

CEBU, Philippines —  A total of 741 persons were arrested and at least P15.7 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in a 24-hour simultaneous police operation in Central Visayas, said the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 on Saturday.

PRO-7 director, Police Brigadier General Roque Eduardo Vega, said the Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operation (SEMPO) ran from midnight of July 22, Friday, to July 23, Saturday.

Consisting of operations are anti-illegal drugs, anti-illegal gambling, loose firearms, and wanted persons.

The 182 anti-illegal drug operations resulted in the confiscation of 1,726.02 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug price value of P11.7 million and 33,336.53 grams of marijuana valued at P4 million.

The operations also resulted in the arrest of 214 drug personalities, including individuals listed as high-value individuals, in the drug watchlist.

In the campaign against illegal gambling activities, the operations resulted in the arrest of 261 persons and the confiscation of 174 gambling paraphernalia, and total amount of cash P22,633.

Also, police authorities have confiscated 23 loose firearms and one explosive, which resulted in the arrest of 21 individuals in its 194 operations conducted. There were 245 wanted persons also arrested in the operation period.

Vega, in a statement, said that the accomplishments highlight the vitality for the public to provide essential information and ensure police enforcement. — GMR (FREEMAN)