PNP seizes P15-M in drugs, arrests suspects
By Rhaydz B. Barcia
THE Philippine National Police in Bicol achieved another success in combating illegal drug operations in the region, seizing over P15 million worth of drugs in Camarines Norte.
Police Lt. Col. Maria Luisa “Malu” Calubaquib, the PNP Bicol regional spokesperson, reported that on February 9, before midnight, PNP operatives apprehended narcotics valued at P15, 172,000.
The operation, a buy-bust conducted at P1, Barangay Sto Domingo, in Vinzons town, Camarines Norte around 11:20 PM, resulted in the arrest of two high-value individuals, identified as “Lon,” aged 38, a resident of Labo Camarines Norte, and “Ian,” aged 39, from Pasacao Camarines Sur.
Calubaquib explained that the operation has led to the confiscation of 2,200 grams of suspected shabu, amounting to P14,960,000, concealed within tea bags, and 40 grams of cocaine valued at P212,000, contained in a zip lock transparent sachet.’
She credited the success of the operation to the collaborative efforts of RPDEU 5 and Vinzons MPS, in coordination with the PDEA regional office. The arrested suspects and seized evidence were turned over to Vinzons MPS for further processing.
Police BGen. Andre P. Dizon, Bicol police regional director, commended his team for the successful anti-narcotics operation, emphasizing its importance in the ongoing campaign to eradicate or reduce the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.
Dizon vowed to intensify operations to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs, identifying those responsible for drug operations and ensuring they face the consequences of their illicit acts.
In a previous incident, the Philippine National Police seized P2.8 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Sto. Domingo town involving a 15-year-old child-suspect from Oro Site, a village in Legazpi City.
The suspect, identified as Jan, a resident of Barangay Oro Site, Legazpi City, was apprehended by police operatives on Monday midnight at 11:50 at Purok 2, Barangay Lidong, Sto Domingo town.
Calubaquib stated that the police operatives confiscated at least 415 grams of “shabu” worth P2, 822,000.00 from the custody of the minor suspect.
In addition to 415 grams of shabu, a knife and a cellular phone were also confiscated from the suspect. Calubaquib mentioned that the suspect is currently under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).