PNP nabs 176, seizes over P1.3-M shabu in string of ops in Mindanao

Northern Mindanao. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Illegal drugs worth over P1.3 million were seized and 176 individuals were arrested in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) during a three-day anti-crime operation, according to police.

In a report on Tuesday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 said that the arrests and seizures happened during a simultaneous anti-criminality law enforcement operation from August 23 to 25, 2024.

The operation included executions of 18 search warrants, which resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals and confiscation of one firearm during five operations under Republic Act (RA) 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The law enforcers also seized 84.2905 grams of crystal meth, locally known as shabu, valued at over P573,000 in 13 operations under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

READ: Shabu worth P3.4M seized from Cotabato City suspect

Additionally, 50 individuals were apprehended and 107.50 grams of shabu approximately worth P731,000 were yielded in 39 buy-bust operations.

READ: PDEA seizes P3.4-M worth of meth in Zamboanga del Sur drug bust

PRO10 likewise conducted 45 additional operations where they captured one individual and seized 0.33 grams of shabu, 30 firearms, and seven explosives.

Further, the operations also targeted illegal gambling activities, which led to the apprehension of 27 individuals and the confiscation of P4,290 in bet money.

PRO10 Director Police Brigadier General Ricardo Layug Jr. stated in a report on Tuesday that they would persist in intensifying their efforts to fight criminality, protect citizens, and uphold the rule of law. — Arianne Denisse Cagsawa, INQUIRER.net intern