TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) made significant progress in its anti-drug campaign, seizing a total of 1,091.61 grams of illegal drugs worth more than P7.42 million in a series of operations conducted from January 27 to February 2, 2025.
PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen. Jay Cumigad reported that 18 operations were carried out, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals and the filing of 31 cases against drug offenders.
The largest seizure was recorded by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), which confiscated 1,086.19 grams of shabu during a buy-bust operation on January 29 in Brgy. 25, Magsaysay Boulevard.
The operation, led by the TCPO City Drug Enforcement Unit, led to the arrest of alias “Budoy,” a 37-year-old high-value individual (HVI) from Palompon, Leyte. Authorities also recovered a 9mm pistol with four live rounds of ammunition and buy-bust money.
The suspect is facing charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Comelec Resolution No. 11067 (Election Gun Ban) and is currently detained at the TCPO custodial facility.
Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) seized 5.22 grams of shabu in 12 operations, the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) recovered 0.17 grams in two operations, and the Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO) confiscated 0.04 grams in one operation.
In a separate major operation, the SPPO, in collaboration with the Western Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team (WSPHPT), arrested three suspects and seized 2,940.69 grams of shabu worth P19.99 million on January 27 in Catbalogan City.
Acting on intelligence, authorities intercepted a vehicle along the Maharlika Highway and arrested alias “Don-don,” “Kokoy,” and “Mer” from Libona, Bukidnon. Criminal complaints under RA 9165 were filed on January 30, with additional charges pending.
Cumigad commended the involved police units for their dedication to keeping Eastern Visayas safe.
“This significant seizure underscores our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and mitigating the devastating impact of illegal drugs. I urge the public to remain vigilant and support our efforts by reporting any suspicious drug-related activities,” the police regional director said.
PRO-8 remains steadfast in its anti-drug campaign, leveraging intelligence-driven operations and strengthened community partnerships to combat the illegal drug trade.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
