Central Luzon Police Operations Yield PHP3.7 Million in Illegal Drugs and 80 Arrests

Angeles City — A weeklong series of operations by the Central Luzon police has resulted in the confiscation of more than PHP3.7 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 80 suspects.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3), the largest seizure occurred on October 25 along Kalayaan Road in Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City, where more than 60 grams of shabu with a standard value of PHP408,000 were confiscated. Hidalgo stated that the successful operations demonstrate the force’s commitment to combating illegal drug activities, particularly as these operations coincide with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

In addition to the focus on illegal drugs, Hidalgo reported that the PRO-3 is also intensifying its campaign against wanted individuals, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal gambling activities. The weeklong operations led to the arrest of 145 wanted individuals: 16 were most wanted and 129 had committed various crimes such as murder, rape, and frustrated murder. Regarding election-related offenses, 14 gun ban violators were apprehended and 10 firearms were seized. On the illegal gambling front, Hidalgo stated that 53 persons were arrested, leading to the confiscation of PHP29,090 in cash bets.