STEPPED-UP anti-narcotics operations by the Police Regional Office 6 across Western Visayas since last May 24 resulted in the arrest of over 700 drug targets and the confiscation of nearly P88 million worth of shabu, PRO6 director Brigadier General Sydney N. Villaflor said on Sunday.

The PRO6 feat has been commended by Philippine National Police chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., who is set to lead the 122nd Police Service Anniversary in the region on Monday, August 14.

According to Brig. Gen. Villaflor, at least 708 known drug dealers and users in the region have been hauled to jail and are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 since last May 24.

Last Thursday, another top drug target in the region was arrested by undercover officers from the Bacolod City Police Office during an anti-narcotics operation which resulted in the seizure of more than two kilos of shabu worth nearly P14.4 million.

Michael Frias alias ‘Tata/Toto Gonzalez,’ 45, of Purok Pablo Torre in Barangay Vista Alegre was arrested following weeks of surveillance and the subsequent buy-bust in his neighbourhood past 6 a.m. Thursday, the official said.

Recovered from the possession of the accused were an estimated 2,115 grams of shabu, the buy-bust money topped by 10 pieces of marked P1,000 bills and a digital scale.

Brig. Gen. Villaflor described the suspect as a member of the Caunda Drug Group which has gained notoriety for its involvement in large-scale illegal drug trafficking in Negros Occidental and other parts of Western Visayas.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon