PNP: 42 arrested, P68M in drugs seized

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the arrest of 42 most wanted persons (MWPs) and the seizure of more than P68 million worth of illegal drugs during nationwide operations from 8 to 10 October.

The arrests included several individuals listed as Top 1 to Top 10 MWPs, facing charges such as qualified rape, murder, human trafficking and syndicated estafa.

These operations were conducted under the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations, part of the agency’s Focus Agenda on law enforcement and crime prevention.

Simultaneous anti-drug operations also resulted in the arrest of six suspects, five of whom were classified as high-value individuals and one as a street-level individual.

Authorities confiscated 910.3 grams of shabu valued at P4.89 million, and marijuana worth P1.49 million, consisting of 1,300 fully grown plants, 100 seedlings, and 10,285 grams of dried leaves.

In addition, 11.837 kilograms of cocaine worth about P62 million were recovered — the largest haul — off the waters of Barangay Bagong Bayan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Local fishermen and residents reportedly saw suspicious packages floating in the sea and immediately informed authorities.

Personnel from Police Station 3, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Palawan, retrieved the packages, confirming them to contain cocaine.

Police said the operations demonstrate continuing efforts to track wanted criminals and dismantle illegal drug networks nationwide.