4 HVIS NABBED, OVER P1.9-M ILLEGAL DRUGS SEIZED IN CABANATUAN

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Four high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested and more than P1.9 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and cannabis-related products were seized in two separate buy-bust operations in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, the operations were conducted by personnel of the Cabanatuan City Police Station on August 8 and 9, as police intensified their campaign against illegal drugs.

The first operation was carried out in Bgy. Sumacab Norte, where two HVIs were arrested after allegedly selling suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.

Police recovered approximately 58.86 grams of suspected shabu worth P400,248.

The following day, another buy-bust operation was conducted in Bgy. Lagare, resulting in the arrest of two more HVIs.

Authorities confiscated various quantities of suspected marijuana and kush, as well as assorted disposable vapes and cartridges containing suspected cannabis resin. 

The seized marijuana and related items were valued at approximately P1.508 million.

The total estimated value of the suspected illegal drugs and cannabis-related products seized in the two operations was more than P1.9 million.

Mendez commended the police personnel involved in the successive operations, emphasizing that law enforcement efforts continue despite the ongoing disaster response operations being carried out across Central Luzon amid the effects of typhoon Maymay and the southwest monsoon.

“Even as our personnel continue to assist communities affected by the typhoon, our responsibility to maintain peace and order does not stop. Our units remain focused on their respective duties, including the campaign against illegal drugs, while ensuring that sufficient personnel and resources are available for our disaster response operations,” Mendez said.

He said the operations are consistent with the Focused Agenda of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., particularly the sustained implementation of intelligence-driven and responsive police operations.

Mendez also underscored the readiness of the Police Regional Office 3 to simultaneously respond to emergencies and conduct law enforcement operations.

“This reflects the readiness of PRO3 to respond to different situations simultaneously. Whether in times of calamity or in our continuing law enforcement operations, our commitment remains the same—to protect our communities and provide Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman to the people of Central Luzon,” he said.

The four suspects were brought to the Cabanatuan City Police Station for proper disposition and will be charged with violations of  Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.