The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) said yesterday more than P26 million of suspected shabu were seized in various operations across Negros Oriental during the first half of the year.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, NOPPO spokesperson, said 293 suspected drug personalities were arrested in 280 police operations that also led to the confiscation of 3,829 grams of shabu.

Also confiscated were 243 grams of suspected marijuana valued at P26 million.

Polinar said that aside from illegal drugs, the NOPPO is also focusing on two other key areas — anti-illegal gambling and loose firearms.

“We have a standing order from our regional director to intensify our operations against these illegal activities, most especially on loose firearms due to the upcoming 2025 elections,” he said.

For the first two quarters of the year, the NOPPO seized or recovered 728 loose firearms in 576 operations where 28 persons were arrested.

Meanwhile, the campaign against illegal gambling led to the arrest of 1,059 persons and the seizure of P121,816 bet money.

The Negros Oriental police also arrested 64 most wanted persons and 871 other wanted persons in 93 operations conducted, particularly in the service of arrest warrants.

Of the most wanted persons nabbed, four were arrested at the regional level, 15 at the provincial level, 21 at the city level, and 29 at the city level. (PNA)