Nueva Ecija cops nab seven, seize P340K shabu

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police in Nueva Ecija struck hard against drug networks in two separate operations on 18 November, arresting seven suspects and confiscating more than P340,000 worth of shabu amid the PNP’s full alert status.

Teams from Nampicuan, Gapan City, and Peñaranda police stations launched coordinated buy-bust operations, collaring six suspects and seizing 4.58 grams of shabu (P31,144 street value). The suspects face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165).

In a parallel sting, San Jose City cops, backed by provincial and regional units, arrested a 43-year-old Pasay City barker flagged as a high-value individual (HVI). Authorities recovered 57.66 grams of shabu (P309,088 value) in Barangay Santo Tomas, along with a cellphone, coin purse, and marked money. The suspect will be charged under Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165.

“Walang pahinga ang laban natin,” (“There is no rest in our fight,”) declared Police Colonel Heryl Bruno, Nueva Ecija’s provincial director. “Mula sa maliliit na pusher hanggang sa HVIs, patuloy ang operasyon para pigilan ang droga. Hindi tayo titigil hanggang ligtas ang bawat komunidad.” (“From small-time pushers to HVIs, operations continue to stop drugs. We will not stop until every community is safe.”)

Bruno credited the back-to-back successes to PRO3 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr.’s strategy of “precision strikes” against drug hotspots. “Ito ang Bagong PNP: masigasig, walang kinikilingan, at laging handang sumagip sa publiko,” (“This is the New PNP: persistent, impartial, and always ready to protect the public,”) he added.

The operations mark Nueva Ecija’s latest push under the PNP’s “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, which prioritizes rapid, high-impact anti-crime drives.