Cops nab 18, seize over P14M drugs in 3 days

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office-7 conducted a 72-hour anti-criminality operation seizing 2,149.32 grams of illegal drugs valued at around ?14.6 million in a series of buy-bust operations with 18 drug personalities apprehended.

Police also arrested five suspects for firearms violations, confiscating 92 loose firearms and one explosive.

Additionally, 125 illegal gamblers were caught, with ?14,106 and gambling paraphernalia seized, alongside 102 wanted persons, including nine of the most wanted.

PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin commended the police for their efforts.

“PRO-7 will launch aggressive and consistent police operations against all forms of criminalities to complement our 24/7 police presence in strategic areas in preparation for the upcoming holidays, Sinulog 2025, and the midterm national and local election 2025," said Aberin.

Meanwhile, PRO-7 on Monday awarded deserving Philippine National Police personnel in the region for their outstanding dedication and performance within their respective units.

During the flag-raising and awarding ceremony, Aberin awarded the personnel from the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Lapu-Lapu City Police (LCPO) the PNP Medal of Merit (Medalya ng Kagalingan) for the arrest of a high-value drug suspect and the confiscation of 1.4 kilograms of illegal drugs worth ?9.7 million.

This operation took place on July 29, 2024, in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, and LCPO personnel also seized a .45 cal. pistol and other pieces of evidence.

The same award was also given to the personnel of the Siquijor Municipal Police Station, Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO), for their successful hot pursuit operation conducted in Barangay Panlautan in response to a shooting incident on June 17, 2024.

SPPO personnel were able to arrest the suspect and seized a .45 cal. pistol loaded with live rounds and subsequently filed a murder case against the latter.

In his message, Aberin congratulated the awardees for their dedication and excellence. In their Facebook page, he urged the officers to continuously enhance police visibility, intensify efforts to address potential crime threats, and remain vigilant and ready to respond to any situation.

Aside from Aberin, joining the event were the command group members, regional staff, other officers, police non-commissioned officers, and non-uniformed personnel. — (FREEMAN)