7 high-value targets yield nearly P8-M ‘shabu’ in Central Luzon

THE POLICE Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) seized illegal drugs worth nearly PHP8 million and arrested seven high-value individuals (HVIs) in a series of anti-crime operations across Bulacan and Angeles City over the weekend.

In a statement on Tuesday, PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said authorities arrested two suspects identified as alias Usup, 36, of Barangay Lourdes Northwest, and alias Tobats, 31, of Barangay Lourdes Sur in a buy-bust operation in Angeles City on March 23.

She said confiscated from the two were 1,043.1 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP7.09 million, a caliber .45 pistol, live ammunition, drug paraphernalia, a Toyota Wigo, and buy-bust money.

On March 22, the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) also conducted a series of anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of five HVIs and the confiscation of 120 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP816,000.

Fajardo lauded the operatives for their relentless pursuit of drug syndicates, notng that their dedication extends beyond regular duty hours.

“These operations prove that our fight against illegal drugs knows no time off. Whether weekday or weekend, our personnel remain steadfast in ensuring that Central Luzon remains safe and drug-free,” Fajardo said.

She reaffirmed PRO-3’s steadfast commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and criminality, assuring the public that the campaign would continue with full force and without let-up.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said its enhanced anti-crime campaign through the Investigation Solution Automatic Verification (ISAV) system resulted in the arrest of 1,619 from Feb. 8 to March 23.

“Ang ISAV system ay isang mahalagang teknolohiya na nagpapalakas sa ating kampanya laban sa krimen. Sa tulong nito, mas mabilis nating natutukoy ang mga may kasong kriminal (The ISAV system is an important technology that strengthens our campaign against crime. With its help, we can more quickly identify those with criminal cases),” QCPD Acting Director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. said in a separate statement on Tuesday.

Through ISAV, authorities identified 1,509 suspects with records on crime information, reporting, and analysis system, including 920 listed in the electronic rogue gallery system and 173 with e-warrants. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)