PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte (PIA) – Authorities have recovered more than P300 million worth of illegal drugs during the intensified anti-drug operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from July 2022 to the present, an official of the Police Regional Office here revealed.
Meanwhile, an enhanced crackdown against counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes has also resulted in the seizure of contraband valued at P176.66 million.
Police Brig. Gen. Prexy D. Tanggawohn, director of the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), highlighted these accomplishments during the 11th episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas held at Camp BGen Salipada K Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Tanggawohn stated that PRO BAR, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), has executed 5,264 anti-drug operations since the beginning of the Marcos administration.
These operations have led to the apprehension of 2,500 drug suspects and the confiscation of a sizeable quantity of illegal substances, including 38,780.33 grams of shabu, 56,094.30 grams of dried marijuana leaves, and 16,705 pieces of marijuana plants, with a total value of 303,849,154.49.
The official attributed the success to effective cooperation between the PDEA and PDEA BARMM, headed by Director Gil Cesario Castro.
He also emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort in achieving the results of the drug war.
Tanggawohn added that PRO-BAR continues to focus on combating drug-related crimes in order to create a safer and drug-free environment for the residents of BARMM.
During Tuesday’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, Tanggawohn also reported that PRO-BAR, in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs, has sequestered P176.66 million worth of fake and smuggled cigarettes.
“In adherence to the pronouncement of our Chief PNP General Rommel Francisco Marbil to intensify the crackdown against fake and smuggled cigarettes, PRO BAR is committed to eradicating the illicit illegal smuggling across the region. We partner with the Bureau of Customs,” he said.
According to the most recent data from the PRO-BAR, the region conducted a total of 423 anti-smuggling operations, leading to the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes valued at P176,661,463.
On June 30, an anti-smuggling operation in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, resulted in the interception of 515 boxes of the contraband valued at P14.62 million.
In another campaign on July 2 in Indanan, Sulu, police authorities confiscated P12.03 million worth of illegal cigarettes.
“During the operation in Sitio Laum Niyog, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan Sulu also resulted in the rescue of two minors, suspected victims of child labor,” he said.
Tanghawohn stated that the Bureau of Customs receives all confiscated counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes for safekeeping and destruction.
The Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, a weekly conference organized by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and implemented by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), provides a platform for reporting on notable government initiatives and accomplishments in order to increase public understanding and appreciation of government programs and projects. (SZT/DED-PIA 12)
