NCRPO intensifies intelligence operations against drug syndicates
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has strengthened the monitoring and investigation of suspected drug distribution networks, trace leads involving the movement of illegal drugs into and through Metro Manila, and identify possible links between local distributors and larger criminal organizations.
NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano said information gathered by police districts will be validated and shared with concerned agencies to support coordinated investigations and targeted operations amid the relentless campaign against illegal drugs.
Abrahano issued the order amid recent drug interceptions at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), including eight inbound parcels containing suspected illegal drugs worth approximately P43.7 million intercepted on 9 October, and 73 kilograms of shabu worth P496.4 million discovered concealed inside industrial machinery shipped from Mexico.
The PNP is also looking into the reported seizure of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu in a private jet in Laos and another suspected shabu shipment in Thailand, which were both reportedly bound to the Philippines.
Abrahano said these cases underscore the need for sustained intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal drugs from reaching local communities.
Among Abrahano's directive is for the five police districts directors, chiefs of police, and station commanders to intensify intelligence gathering, investigate suspected storage and distribution sites supported by verified information, and pursue leads that may identify suppliers, couriers, financiers, and other individuals facilitating the illegal drug trade.
The NCRPO will also further strengthen coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group, the Bureau of Customs, and other concerned agencies to exchange actionable intelligence, establish possible links between intercepted shipments and local distribution networks, and support lawful, evidence-based operations.
Abrahano also issued a stern warning to police personnel who may be involved in illegal drug transactions or who use their positions to protect drug syndicates.
“There is no place in the NCRPO for police officers who engage in, tolerate, or protect the illegal drug trade. Any personnel found involved in these activities will face appropriate administrative and criminal action. No rank or position will exempt anyone from accountability,” Abrahano said.
He emphasized that the campaign must target the networks behind the illegal drug trade while upholding the law, protecting the public, and maintaining the integrity of police operations.