274 DRUG SUSPECTS IN CENTRAL LUZON HAULED TO JAIL

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga —  Operatives of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) hauled to jail 274 drug suspects and seized more than P5.8 million worth of illegal drugs following a series of anti-drug operations across Central Luzon from November 1 to 7.

The weeklong operations were conducted by various police units as part of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in line with the Focused Agenda of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr..

A consolidated operational report showed that authorities confiscated illegal drugs worth P5,826,119.96.

Shabu accounted for the bulk of the confiscated substances, with 843.54 grams valued at approximately P5.74 million.

Authorities also seized ecstasy worth P63,009.04, ketamine valued at P22,672.90, and kush marijuana worth P4,390.50.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said the intensified campaign must go beyond arresting street-level drug personalities and focus on dismantling the supply networks behind the illegal drug trade.

“Every arrest should bring us closer to those supplying and distributing illegal drugs. We must continue tracing these networks, disrupting their operations, and preventing these substances from reaching our communities,” Mendez said.

The official directed all police units to sustain intelligence-driven operations, strengthen coordination with concerned agencies, and ensure proper case preparation to secure the successful prosecution of arrested suspects.

Mendez stressed that the campaign would continue in the coming weeks, with police focusing on identifying and running after drug suppliers and other individuals behind the illegal distribution of prohibited substances in Central Luzon.