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| Police officers of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte unearth seven black plastic bags and one large blue ice box containing a total of 180-kg of methamphetamine or "shabu." (Photos from INPPO) |
In line with Gov. Imee R. Marcos' call to intensify efforts against illegal drugs in the province, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) joined the Cagayan Police Provincial Office (CPPO) for a drug bust Sunday, July 3.
An amount of 180-kg of methamphetamine or "shabu" were dug up and recovered during the joint operation at an abandoned farm lot in Brgy. Culao, Clavera, Cagayan.
Police Senior Superintendent Jose M. Nartates, acting provincial director, explained the INPPO's participation in the drug bust, "In-ensure natin na makukuha 'yon kasi our assumption is that a part of this contraband would definitely,'pag nagamit 'yan, pupunta dito sa atin."
He also shared that in Ilocos Norte, the number of contrabands being found is decreasing while the number of arrests is increasing, showing that pushers are beginning to face difficulties distributing the narcotics. He revealed a tally of 180 personalities rounded up from January to June 2016 compared to an average of less than a hundred within the same period in previous years.
The eradication of use of illegal drugs in the province has to be "a whole government approach," he added, saying that the INPPO focuses on the reduction of demand and supply.
On demand, they are actively campaigning in schools, barangays, and organizational events against the use of drugs, while reduction of supply is steadily being addressed by the arrests and drug operations.
In response to President Rodrigo R. Duterte's aggressive onslaught against illegal drugs, Gov. Marcos said, "Wilco, Apo Presidente! We have successfully intercepted this huge transshipment and will continue to be on red alert versus illegal drugs."
INPPO is also currently conducting mandatory drug testing among all police personnel with July 8 as the deadline for completion.
"We are cleansing our ranks," Nartates said.
He also shared that many pushers and users within the province have already lined up to surrender, though many may be reluctant because of their pronouncement that those who surrender must do so to the local chief executive and reveal the source of their illegal drug supply.
Of the drug pushers themselves, he said, "What's the use of surrendering kung… isu-surrender mo yung sarili mo? Surrender mo yung drugs mo at tiyaka paraphernalia mo."
Gov. Marcos expressed her sentiments, "180-kg of 'shabu' would have ruined countless lives and families! May we request the support of the national government, especially Chief Bato, in liaising with Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and Chinese anti-narcotics agencies and police to put a stop these drug shipments?"
Recently, two top drug personalities were gunned down first in Paoay, and then in Bangui. However, Nartates continues to urge constant vigilance in the province, "There is a possibility that there is a laboratory, even here in Ilocos Norte… What we need is strong participation of the population, our stakeholders, our clients: the community."—Mizpah Grace G. Castro, PGIN-CMO
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