By Xander Ledesma
The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) announced on November 22, 2024 that it had successfully seized illegal drugs worth Php109.5 million during a series of coordinated raids across Central Visayas. The operation, involving multiple cities and towns, marked a significant blow to drug syndicates operating in the region.
The drugs seized during the operation included methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), the most commonly abused illegal substance in the Philippines, as well as other banned drugs. The joint operation was conducted in collaboration with local police forces, anti-narcotics agencies, and other law enforcement bodies.
According to PRO7 Director Brigadier General Jose L. Pantoja, the operation was the result of months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and cooperation among various law enforcement agencies. He noted that Central Visayas has become a key hub for drug trafficking, due to its strategic location and connectivity, which criminal syndicates exploit to facilitate the distribution of illegal substances.
This seizure is one of the largest in the region’s recent history, further underscoring the government’s ongoing commitment to the war on drugs. The operation supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on continuing the crackdown on illegal drug activities, a priority that was initiated during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The confiscation of Php109.5 million worth of drugs is expected to reduce the availability of illegal substances in local communities and curb the rise in drug addiction and associated crimes. Shabu continues to be linked to escalating violence, health issues, and social unrest in the country.
The success of the operation has been widely praised by local leaders, who see it as a step toward safer communities in the region. However, experts caution that the ongoing demand for illegal drugs remains a significant challenge for law enforcement.
This operation was notable for its high level of coordination among various agencies, including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and local police units, which combined their resources and expertise to carry out the raids. Despite this success, law enforcement agencies are expected to continue their vigilance in dismantling the networks that supply these dangerous substances.