PNP chief Archie Gamboa yesterday said the seizure of P8.4 billion worth of shabu over the past nine days proved the police force has not relented in its campaign against illegal drugs even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The yield of P 8.395 billion worth of illegal drugs in a span of nine days is unprecedented and is proof that the PNP is relentless in its pursuit of criminals and syndicates behind illegal drugs,” said Gamboa.
The bulk of the haul was seized during a buy-bust operation in Marilao, Bulacan last June 4. Police initially said 756 kilos of suspected shabu was seized but the figure was later revised to 828 kilos, worth P5.63 million.
The second largest haul was made last Thursday night during a buy-bust operation in General Trias City, Cavite where 374 kilos of shabu, worth P2.54 billion, were seized and a drug trafficker was arrested.
Gamboa commended the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, under Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., and various regional police offices involved in the string of successful anti-drug operations.
“The PNP continues to be in the frontline of ensuring public safety by going after illegal drugs. There is no let up in our campaign even as we are facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gamboa.
The PNP, playing a key role in the fight against COVID-19, has put up hundreds of quarantine checkpoints, many of them in Metro Manila, to limit the movement of people and prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
DEG spokeswoman Lt. Col. Cherrylou Donato said the DEG was able to seize a total of 1,782 kilos of shabu, worth P12.2 billion since last March. During that period, six persons were killed and 38 others were arrested.
“Our operatives on the ground are in high spirits because our preparations for the past months paid off. We made great accomplishments even with the problem (COVID-19) our country is facing,” said Donato.
Donato said the DEG has focused its attention on the higher manufacturing level, from street level, in the campaign against illegal drugs.