By Mae Singuay

More than P8.9 million worth of suspected shabu was seized by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in a month-long drug buy-bust operation in March.

BCPO spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sherlock Gabana said they conducted 64 police operations that resulted in the arrest of 72 drug personalities, including seven high-value individuals.

A total of 75 cases were filed in court for violation of the Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In the same period, the BCPO was able to arrest 18 most wanted persons and 74 other wanted persons charged with various offenses in 92 police operations.

Authorities confiscated nine home-made firearms in 16 police operations conducted last month and arrested five individuals.

Charges for violation of RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act were filed against the suspects.

Meanwhile, 60 individuals were arrested and 22 cases have been filed in court against illegal gambling suspects for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 and RA 9287, while total bet money amounting to P4,717 was confiscated during the operations.

BCPO director, Police Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir, lauded the operating units and personnel for a job well done and for their continuous efforts through police-initiated operations to reduce criminality.

Martir also vowed to continue giving Bacolodnons a safe and peaceful place to live./MS, WDJ