(Photo by PNA)
BACOLOD CITY – Police authorities in the Negros Island Region confiscated more than Php 38.3 million worth of illegal drugs and smuggled cigarettes during a series of law enforcement operations throughout September, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported Thursday.
Based on police data, authorities seized 3,981.46 grams of suspected shabu and 150.4 grams of marijuana with a combined estimated value of Php 27.091 million.
The confiscations resulted from 226 anti-illegal drug operations that led to the arrest of 246 individuals across the region.
Meanwhile, police conducted 109 operations against illegal cigarette smuggling, arresting six suspects and confiscating smuggled tobacco products valued at approximately Php 11.213 million.
One of the largest seizures occurred on September 28, when a joint operation led by the PRO-NIR Regional Intelligence Division resulted in the confiscation of Php 10.2 million worth of illicit and smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Talaban, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
PRO-NIR Director Rudecindo Reales emphasized the importance of sustained law enforcement operations, stronger crime prevention measures and increased police visibility to maintain peace and order throughout the region.
Reales directed police personnel to prioritize prompt responses to incidents, effective crime prevention and the resolution of criminal cases while maintaining professionalism and accountability.
“Our policing is simple – go back to the basics and carry them out with discipline and purpose. Be present. Respond promptly. Prevent crime. Solve cases. Protect the people. Every police officer must serve with integrity and accountability,” Reales said.
The regional police office reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal drugs, smuggling and other criminal activities to protect communities across the Negros Island Region.
