BACOLOD CITY – Police here seized 2,449.82 grams of illegal drugs worth P16,658,805.7 and arrested 166 persons in 138 operations in 100 days from April 18 to July 27. To further intensify its campaign against illegal drugs, the BCPO launched “B Aid” for the continuous conduct of intelligence-driven anti-illegal drug operations. Under this program, the BCPO will create a task force on illegal drugs composed of policemen, non-government organizations (NGOs), and volunteer civilians. Its main task is to help reduce the proliferation of illegal drugs by raising awareness, prevention and reduction of drug abuse, providing assistance on treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents, and increasing coordination on anti-illegal drugs activities. B Aid will also develop a rewards program for confidential informants to encourage tips and reports on illegal drug operations. The BCPO noted that evidence showed that drug dependents are more likely than non-drug dependents to commit crimes. Thus, a drug-free community is a crime-free space where people can thrive, develop their full potentials, and do work and business peacefully. They will also engage schools, media businesses, parent groups, religious groups, and other non-government organizations in its drug prevention and reduction efforts. Ordinary citizens are also valuable sources of information who may aid in the police in the anti-little drugs operations. The city police force will conduct regular random drug testing among its ranks to ensure the integrity of the police force. The BCPO arrested 51 most wanted persons and 109 other wanted persons; 77 operations were conducted and 258 persons were arrested for illegal gambling, and 11 loose firearms were confiscated and 10 individuals were arrested. Fifteen unrenewed licensed firearms were deposited while 35 loose firearms were surrendered.