ILOILO CITY (PIA) – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Iloilo has conducted a total of 183 anti-narcotics operations in the city from January 1 to June 7, 2024.
During the second regular joint-meeting of the Iloilo City Peace and Order Council and the Anti-Drug Abuse Council on June 13, Rodante Santiago, Information Officer of the PDEA-Iloilo, reported that the said operation resulted to the arrest of 294 personalities and confiscation of P16,469.873 grams of shabu (Methamphetamine hydro-chloride).
Santiago also noted that 94 barangays in Iloilo City were already cleared of illegal drugs as of May 31, while 86 barangays or 47.22 percent are still needed to be cleared.
He added that the agency, together with other law enforcement agencies, are conducting different measures, such as their demand reduction and interdiction efforts, to prevent the illegal drugs.
The establishment of Balay Silangan Reformatory Center in Iloilo City and close coordination between the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and law enforcement agencies are also needed to intensify the city’s Barangay Drug Clearing Program.
Santiago likewise pointed out the importance of providing drug law enforcers with in-depth knowledge of drug trafficking laws and seizure protocols to ensure legal compliance; and strengthening the demand reduction program through conducting regular information dissemination or advocacy campaigns. (AAL/JNH/PIA Iloilo)
