Authorities seized P132 million worth of illegal drugs on the first 18 days of the year, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Acorda also said 1,376 anti-illegal drug operations were launched from Jan. 1 to 18, resulting in the arrest of 1,661 drug suspects.
Meanwhile, Acorda said 4,614 personnel underwent random drug testing from Jan. 1 to 22, composed of 4,517 uniformed personnel and 97 non-uniformed personnel (NUP).
He said six cops—three patrolmen, a staff sergeant, a master sergeant, and a chief master sergeant– have tested positive for illegal drugs in a series of drug tests during the period.
Of the six, five were from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and one from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas).
“We will ensure that appropriate charges are filed to address this issue and uphold the uncompromising principles of a drug-free police force,” Acorda said.
Acorda said no major incidents were reported throughout the celebrations of the Feast of Sto. Niño nationwide – the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, the Ati-atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, and the Lakbayaw in Tondo, Manila over the weekend.