P7.7 milyong drugs seized, 356 persons arrested

CEBU, Philippines — Over P7.7 million worth of illegal drugs was seized and 356 individuals were arrested in the three-day Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) conducted by the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7).

From August 6 to 8, police units across Central Visayas have launched 155 anti-drug operations, intercepting a total of P7,733,368 worth of suspected shabu weighing at least 1,131.96 grams.

The successful operations also resulted in the imprisonment of at least 173 drug personalities.

Meanwhile, the PRO-7 has also carried out manhunt operations, which led to the entrapment of 108 suspects of various crimes, 17 of whom were classified as most wanted persons.

In the pursuit against the illegal possession of firearms, 15 individuals were also arrested after the confiscation or surrendering of at least 46 loose firearms and two explosives.

A total of 60 accused for illegal gambling were also apprehended in the region, wherein P10,417 gambling money has been confiscated.

PRO-7 Director, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, said that the region-wide implementation of SACLEO is a reflection of their intensified and intelligence-driven anti-criminality campaign across the region.

"Bawat baril na nakumpiska, bawat gramo ng shabu na nasamsam, at bawat arestong naisagawa ay panalo para sa kaligtasan ng publiko,” said Maranan.

“Sa mga kriminal—wala kayong takas. Hahanapin namin kayo saan man kayo magtago,” he added as a strong warning to the criminals.