CEBU CITY – A total of P12.8 million worth of illegal drugs were seized, and 604 wanted persons were arrested during simultaneous, 24-hour police operations against all forms of criminality in Central Visayas.
Dubbed Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operation (SEMPO), the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) said the one-day series of operations was aimed against illegal drug trade, illegal gambling, loose firearms, and crime suspects. The series started at 12:01 a.m. on May 21 and ended at 12:01 a.m. on May 22.
Police Regional Office-Reg. 7 regional director Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega said 206 warrants of arrest were served while 411 operations against anti-illegal gambling, illegal drugs, and loose firearms were conducted.
Vega said 25 ‘most wanted’ persons and 181 others wanted by law were arrested.
In anti-illegal drug operations, 1,889.67 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P12,849,756 were seized.
The PRO 7 added that 233 loose firearms and one explosive were confiscated.
In the anti-illegal gambling operation, 243 gamblers were arrested while 160 gambling paraphernalia and machines and P24,840 gambling money were confiscated.
“SEMPO primarily aims at reducing crimes and improving public safety in the region with the full support and cooperation of the community,” said Vega.