Bicol cops seize P3.7 million worth of shabu

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI City --- The Philippine National Police in Bicol seized P3.7 million worth of illegal drugs and apprehended four suspects in two consecutive days of operation in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.

Police Lt. Col. Maria Lusia Calubaquib, PNP Bicol regional spokesperson, said that the police operatives in Camarines Sur recovered P3.7 million worth of illegal drugs in two-day relentless operations from December 12 to 13, 2022 from four suspects in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte provinces.

She said that police operatives in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional office served the search warrant at Poblacion village in Capalonga, Camarines Norte resulting in the arrest of Noel T. Mago Jr. and the recovery of 15 grams of suspected “shabu” with an estimated value of P102, 000.00.

In separate operations, joint forces of drug enforcement units of PRO5 and PDEA regional office launched high impact actions resulting in the arrest of three persons classified as high value individuals.

Apprehended were Benjamin U. Fernandez, 35 years old, a resident of Everlasting St., Zone 4, San Francisco, Iriga City; Melrose M. Del Rosario, 35 years old; and Lolito S. Del Rosario, 40 years old, both residents of Zone 5 Balatas, Naga City.

The suspects were arrested at Diversion Road, Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City in the morning of December 13, 2022.

“They were cornered after selling more or less 50 grams of “shabu” to a police undercover agent for P150, 000.00. Ensuing search incidental to a lawful arrest led to the discovery and confiscation of 480 grams of suspected “shabu”. A total of 530 grams of illegal drugs with P3,604.000.00 standard drug price was seized from the suspects,” Calubaquib said.

Police Brig. Gen. Rudolph B. Dimas, police regional director in Bicol lauded the efforts of the operating teams for the successful operation.

Dimas also expressed gratitude to the public for its cooperation following the successful operation of the authorities in its drive against illegal drugs in the countryside.

“We are grateful to the community’s cooperation that enabled our policemen to implement well the drive against illegal drugs. The PRO5 collaborative efforts guided with “KASIMBAYANAN” has made great impact on the unit’s continuing campaign that aims to eliminate the drug menace in the region,” Dimas said.

Dimas said that the PNP Bicol is intensifying its drug awareness education in the community in support of the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) program of the DILG.