Central Visayas Police Seize PHP17 Million in Illegal Drugs During Two-Day Operation

CEBU CITY — In a sweeping two-day anti-criminality operation, Central Visayas police have confiscated over PHP17 million worth of illegal drugs, despite being engaged with security duties at the Palarong Pambansa sports event.

According to Philippines News Agency, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Region 7, the operations conducted from July 12 to 14 resulted in the arrest of 158 suspects. The seized contraband included 2.4 kilos of shabu, valued at approximately PHP16.9 million, and 850 ampules of the pain reliever Nubain, worth PHP340,000. Pelare emphasized the dual focus of the police during this period, stating, “As we’ve mentioned, while we were securing the Palarong Pambansa 2024, we never stopped in our usual police functions. One of them is the conduct of police operations against drugs and other forms of criminality.”

In addition to drug busts, the police also carried out 121 anti-illegal gambling operations, which led to the arrest of 191 individuals and the seizure of PHP17,747 in gambling money. Moreover, the operation included 110 actions against unauthorized firearm possession, resulting in the confiscation of 109 loose firearms.

All individuals arrested during these operations have been formally charged in court, further highlighting the extensive efforts of local law enforcement to curb illegal activities in the region.