About P1 billion worth of shabu had been confiscated by the Philippine National Police in Central Visayas (PRO-7) in 2023.

The disclosure was made yesterday by Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, PRO-7 spokesperson.

"We have good accomplishments in 2023. As you can see, in the month of December alone, we confiscated at least 14 kilos of illegal drugs," he told media.

He said the different police units in Cebu have intensified their operations against drug personalities and are determined to double the volume of shabu to be seized by 2024 in line with the anti-drug operational plan laid down by regional director, Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.

"We expect that the same strategy will be adopted in 2024," Pelare stressed.

He narrated that the illegal drugs campaign is in accordance with PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.'s 5- Focused Agenda, which involves personnel morale and welfare; community engagement; integrity enhancement; information and communication technology development; and aggressive and honest law enforcement operations.

Pelare vowed to strengthen police intelligence as well as their coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7), local government units (LGUs), and the private sector.

He reiterated to still implement Aberin's wish that the police organization in Central Visayas must be "able, active, and allied" and will also continue to observe the fundamental rules of policing and make the community a partner in maintaining peace and order in the region.