Leyte police seize P28.6M worth of illegal drugs in January operations

TACLOBAN CITY — The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) recorded significant gains in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs following a series of operations conducted across the province throughout January 2026.

LPPO Provincial Director Dionisio Apas Jr. said various units under the provincial police carried out three interdiction operations, 40 buy-bust operations, and three warrant services during the month.

These operations resulted in the arrest of 53 drug personalities and the confiscation of more than 1.3 kilograms of suspected shabu and nearly 17 kilograms of marijuana, with an estimated total value of P28.6 million based on assessments by the Dangerous Drugs Board.

Apas said eight of those arrested were classified as high-value individuals (HVIs), while 45 were identified as street-level individuals (SLIs). The operations led to the filing of 87 drug-related cases before the courts.

He added that the accomplishments were the result of coordinated efforts by municipal and city drug enforcement units, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.

“These results show that the LPPO remains firm in dismantling the drug trade in Leyte and in protecting our communities from its harmful effects,” Apas said.

The police official also appealed to the public to continue supporting law enforcement initiatives by promptly reporting illegal drug activities in their communities.