By Raydes B. Barcia
Legazpi City – Composite forces of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bicol seized P3.7 million worth of illegal drugs and apprehended four suspects in two consecutive days of operation in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.
Police Ltc. Maria Lusia “Malu” Calubaquib, PNP Bicol regional spokesperson said that the police operatives in Camarines Sur apprehended P3.7 million worth of illegal drugs in two-day relentless operation from December 12 to 13, 2022 from four suspects in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte provinces.
She said that police operatives in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency regional office implemented the search warrant at Poblacion village in Capalonga, Camarines Norte resulting the arrest of Noel T. Mago Jr. and recovery of 15 grams of suspected “shabu” with an estimated value of P102,000.00.
While in separate operations, joint forces of drug enforcement units of PRO5 and PDEA regional office launched high impact operations resulting in the arrest of three persons classified as high value individuals.
Apprehended were Benjamin U. Fernandez, 35 years old, a resident of Everlasting St., Zone 4, San Francisco, Iriga City; Melrose M. Del Rosario, 35 years old; and Lolito S. Del Rosario, 40 years old, both residents of Zone 5 Balatas, Naga City.
The suspects were arrested at Diversion Road, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City in the morning of December 13, 2022.
“They were cornered after selling more or less 50 grams of “shabu” to a police undercover agent in exchange for P150, 000.00. Ensuing search incidental to a lawful arrest led to the discovery and confiscation of 480 grams of suspected “shabu”. A total of 530 grams of illegal drugs with P3,604.000.00 standard drug price was seized from the suspects,” Calubaquib said.
Police Brig. Gen. Rudolph B. Dimas, police regional director in Bicol lauded the efforts of the operating teams for the successful operation.
Dimas also expressed gratitude to the public for its cooperation following the successful operation of the authorities on its drive against illegal drugs in the countryside.
“We are grateful to the community for your cooperation for helping your policemen on our drive against illegal drugs. The PRO5 collaborative efforts guided with “KASIMBAYANAN” has made great impact on the unit’s continuing campaign to eliminate the drug menace in the region,” Dimas said.
Dimas said that the PNP Bicol is intensifying drug awareness education in the community in support of the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) program of the DILG to get rid of drug menace. (Raydes B. Barcia)