7,811 held for P502 million drugs since January 1 – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 7,811 drug suspects were arrested and P501.98 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in the country since January, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the accomplishment was the result of anti-illegal drug operations from Jan. 1 to Feb. 9.

Azurin said the PNP’s campaign against prohibited drugs is part of the ongoing efforts of the government to keep communities safe and reduce the drug supply in the country.

“The PNP recognizes that drug trafficking is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased law enforcement presence, community engagement and education efforts,” he said.

Included in the drug haul were 27 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with a street value of P183.6 million recovered in an abandoned vehicle in Parañaque last week.

Azurin said investigators are working on the pieces of evidence they have gathered to identify the people behind the packs of shabu.

He also commended Barangay Tambo watchman Mark Joseph Espinosa, who was the one who alerted police about the abandoned vehicle.

Azurin assured the public they remain committed to eradicating illegal drugs in the country.

“We will continue to exert all efforts to neutralize the illegal drug trade in the region and prevent its harmful effects on our communities,” he said.

P16.8-M kush seized near NAIA

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs has intercepted a balikbayan box containing 12 kilos of kush, a variety of high-grade marijuana, at a warehouse near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the BOC said yesterday.

BOC examiners and anti-narcotics operatives discovered the marijuana, valued at P16.8 million, when the balikbayan box underwent x-ray scanning prior to physical examination.

The box, sent from California in the United States, was declared to contain “personal effects.”

The team of personnel from the BOC, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group also arrested the box’s consignee, who was not named, during a joint controlled delivery operation in Antipolo, Rizal yesterday.

The consignee faces charges of violating Republic Acts 9165 and 10863, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization Act, respectively. – Rudy Santos