CEBU CITY – Close to 7,000 drug personalities in Central Visayas were arrested in the first nine months of the year.
The Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) reported that 6,003 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted that resulted in the arrest of 6,995 drug suspects from Jan. 1 to Sept. 25.
The PRO-7 added that 111,948.80 grams of shabu with a standard drug price of P761.2 million, marijuana plants (P3.1 million), 250 grams of cocaine (P1.3 million), and 60 Ecstasy tablets (P102,000) were seized during the period.
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO-7, said through the relentless anti-illegal drug campaign, 1,600 barangays have been declared as drug-cleared while 36 barangays were confirmed by the Regional Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug Clearing to be drug-free areas.
“This progress is a testament to the steadfast commitment of law enforcement, local government units, and communities working together to make Central Visayas safer for all. We are steadily moving closer to our goal of a fully drug-cleared region,” said Maranan.
Maranan said that PRO-7’s anti-illegal drug campaign is focused on supply and demand reduction.
Demand reduction strategies include awareness campaigns, education programs, rehabilitation initiatives, and strengthening of community involvement.
“Our comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of drug use, ensuring sustainable long-term success in our fight against illegal drugs,” Maranan said.