LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Some thirteen drug personalities in the different parts of the Cordillera were successfully arrested while more than P10 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated by combined police operatives and anti-narcotics agents during the implementation of aggressive anti-illegal drugs operations in the region from July 12-18, 2024.
Police authorities stated that a total of 32 operations were conducted in Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, and Kalinga during the week. These operations resulted in the confiscation of 42,575 pieces of fully grown marijuana plants, 1,650 pieces of marijuana seedlings, 11,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, and 21.12 grams of shabu with an overall total of P10,044,668.36.
The most significant operation took place in Kalinga, where the Lumin-awa cops conducted marijuana eradication operations, two buy-busts, and one checkpoint. These operations resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs valued at PhP6,919,640.00 and the arrest of two drug personalities listed as Street Level Individuals.
Moreover, in Benguet, four drug personalities were arrested, and illegal drugs worth P2,996,732.00 were seized. In Ifugao, police eradicated marijuana plants valued at P58,000.00. Meanwhile, in Baguio, three drug personalities were arrested, and shabu worth P40,308.36 was seized. Apayao police also apprehended two high-value individuals through a warrant of arrest, and in Abra, two high-value individuals were arrested, and shabu with a combined value of P29,998.00 was seized.
Police Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo, Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office – Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR), commended the operatives for their diligent efforts in combating the illegal drug trade, underscoring PRO-CAR’s steadfast dedication to maintaining community safety, safeguarding the well-being of the public, and ensuring a drug-free environment. By Dexter A. See