EIGHTY-SEVEN ‘high-value drug targets’ in Mimaropa region have been arrested by agents of the Police Regional Office 4-B in a string of anti-narcotics operations since January this year, PRO4-B director, Brigadier General Sydney S. Hernia said on Sunday.

Latest to be arrested in the region was Christopher Lingon, a 34-year old top drug target in Marindue province. The suspect was arrested after he sold drugs to an undercover officer in Boac municipality last Thursday.

In a report to Philippine National Police chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos, the PRO4-B director said that over the past three months, they have conducted 83 anti-illegal drug operations in the region which also resulted in the seizure of P1.25 million worth of shabu.

The drugs arrests and seizures were made in several parts of Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan provinces and Puerte Princesa City and Puerto Galera which are among the region’s top tourist destinations.

All arrested suspects are now facing charges for sale and possession of prohibited drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Gen. Carlos commended the PRO4-B for their intensified campaign against illegal drug trafficking and abuse.

“This is an active approach in our campaign against illegal drugs. More police operation would mean that our intelligence gathering is strong. Tipsters have heen actively cooperating, too. I hope that this will serve as a warning for those involved in this illegal business that the PNP has beefed-up its efforts to curtail the flow of these illegal substances,” the top cop said.

Gen. Carlos noted that the arrest of other ‘high-value individuals’ in recent police operations is integral in their holistic approach to fight the drug menace.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon