GENERAL SANTOS CITY–Police units in Region 12 have recovered around PHP10.3 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” in various anti-drug operations in the last six months.
Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, public information officer of the Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12), on Thursday said a total of 1,731 grams of shabu were seized during 811 police operations in parts of the region from Dec. 5 to May 28.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency pegs the current street value of shabu at PHP5,000 to PHP6,000 pesos per gram.
Gonzales said a total of 893 drug personalities were arrested during the period and are currently facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
These comprise 134 drug users and 759 emerging and target-listed pushers, financiers and couriers, he said.
Gonzales said at least 77 drug pushers and one user were killed during shootouts after resisting arrest.
Citing orders from Philippine National Police central office, he said the intensified campaigns against illegal drugs will continue and they are determined to totally cleanse the region of the menace.
Gonzales said anti-drug operations are focused on personalities who are included on the government’s “narco-list.”
Region 12 or Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (PNA)
