By Xander Ledesma
Anti-illegal drug operations in Negros Oriental have resulted in the confiscation of over PHP 54.3 million worth of illegal drugs since January 2024, according to the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO).
Lt. Stephen Polinar, the spokesperson for NOPPO, confirmed during a press briefing on November 20 that police operatives have conducted 516 operations across the province, leading to the seizure of 7.7 kilograms of suspected shabu (methamphetamine), valued at approximately PHP 52.7 million. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have also recovered over 13 kilograms of marijuana, with a street value close to PHP 1.6 million.
These operations have resulted in the arrest of 537 individuals involved in illegal drug activities. Among those arrested, 67 are considered high-value targets, while 442 are street-level drug offenders. The remaining 26 individuals were not previously listed in the police’s database of known drug personalities.
Fernando Martinez, head of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, emphasized that efforts to combat illegal drugs in the province have evolved. Moving forward, the focus has shifted from reducing the demand and supply of illegal substances to a broader strategy of prevention and rehabilitation. This includes continuing support for those who voluntarily surrendered during the previous administration’s “Oplan Tokhang,” with over 6, 000 of the 13, 000 surrenderers completing the Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program (CBDRP).
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and local authorities have been vigilant in curbing the illegal drug trade in Negros Oriental, which has seen a growing number of drug-related arrests and drug seizures over the years. In recent decades, the region has faced challenges in combatting the drug trade, with multiple operations launched annually to curb the spread of illicit drugs.
Historically, Negros Oriental has been a focal point for anti-drug operations due to its proximity to major drug trafficking routes and its large rural areas where illegal marijuana plantations have been reported.