An aggressive and revitalized anti-drug and anti-criminality campaign in Iloilo City has resulted in the confiscation of 567.76 grams of suspected shabu valued at P3.83 million in 30 days after the change in leadership at the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

ICPO spokesperson Major Shella Mae Sangrines, in an interview yesterday, said the 33 anti-drug operations, led by the City Drugs Enforcement Unit (CDEU), resulted in the arrest of 45 individuals who are facing cases for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The ICPO accomplishment report also showed that 42 wanted persons were arrested and 24 others were apprehended for illegal gambling operations.

“All these accomplishments under Colonel Joeresty Coronica manifested the aggressive and revitalized operations in ICPO against illegal drugs, illegal gambling and other criminalities in Iloilo City,” Sangrines said.

“He vowed to continue what he started, especially in addressing and eliminating the problem of illegal drugs,” she said.

Coronica assumed the officer-in-charge of the ICPO on January 27 this year, which was followed by a revamp of the chiefs of police of the six police stations under its helm and relief of the personnel of the Mandurriao Police Station and the CDEU.

Among the orders from the city government was for Coronica to resolve the proliferation of illegal drugs and make the local police more visible.

In a press conference on Monday, February 27, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he was happy with the accomplishments of ICPO.

He will meet with Coronica and his station commanders and other officers to discuss their gasoline allowance for national-issued vehicles and additional support for the anti-drug campaign. (PNA)