More than P110 million worth of illegal drugs and 34 including several high-profile fugitives were arrested by authorities during a weeklong regionwide law enforcement operations late last month.
The Police Regional Office – Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) said bulk of the drug seizures came from 14 targeted operations, which netted 548,130 fully grown marijuana plants, 9,000 seedlings, 1,060 marijuana leaves and fruiting tops, and 7.47 grams of suspected methamphetamine, locally known as shabu.
Aside from illegal drugs, PRO-CAR said the operation from Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 also led to the arrest of six suspected drug personalities, including one high-value target in Apayao and five street-level offenders while 54 municipalities reported zero crime.
The Kalinga Police Provincial Office accounted for the largest drug haul, confiscating P108.8 million worth of illicit drugs leading to the arresting one suspect.
Benguet police eradicated P1.18 million worth of marijuana plants, while units in Baguio City, Ifugao, and Apayao seized the remainder of the contraband.
During a regional manhunt operations, 28 wanted individuals, including six top-ranked fugitives were also arrested by police.
Among those captured were a provincial-level drug suspect and municipal-level suspects wanted for statutory rape, domestic violence, child abuse, and attempted murder.
Benguet police led the manhunt efforts with 14 arrests, followed closely by Baguio City police with 13.
Heightened police visibility and community coordination contributed to a total absence of reported crime in 54 municipalities, including 25 in Abra, nine in Mountain Province, eight in Ifugao, seven in Benguet, four in Apayao, and one in Kalinga.
Two police stations in Baguio City also reported zero crime incidents during the week.
Regional police efficiency metrics reached an 85.14% crime clearance rate and a 74.32% crime solution rate for the period.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vallo, PRO – CAR regional director said the weeklong accomplishment is part of their pledge continued collaboration with local governments and communities to maintain public safety across the region while commending the operating units. NLMonitor
