Ilocos Norte PNP seizes P1.9 million drugs, nabs 170 persons

By Jennifer T. Pambid

LAOAG CITY -- The Ilocos Norte provincial police office seized a total of P1,893,386.05 worth of drugs over the past six months since January this year, according to its biannual report.

Data showed  315 grams of shabu and five grams of marijuana were confiscated mostly from top drug personalities, through buy-bust operations, raids and search warrants.

The police office said their relentless joint operations throughout the province were in response to Gov. Imee Marcos administration’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.

Provincial police director Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the local police force will continue efforts to significantly decrease drug-related activities in Ilocos Norte, noting most crimes were associated with illegal drugs.

“Almost all of the crimes that have been committed, the denominator is (the use) of drugs. Will you commit theft if you’re not under the influence of drugs?” he said.

Nartatez added peace and order in Ilocos Norte has improved, with increase of arrests of drug personalities.

He added crimes, including physical injuries, theft, robbery, rape and carnapping, decreased to an average of five recorded cases from 15 in a week.

                “It is because we have increased our crime solution efficiency. ‘Pagka may nangyari, sinisigurado ko na maimbestigahang mabuti, ma-identify at mapilahan ng kaso,” Nartztez said.

                He added that in to maintain safety and security in the province, policemen are always on the lookout to arrest drug personalities.

                Ms. Marcos  earlier expressed full support to President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s plans to fight criminality in the country through the provincial government’s cooperation with the joint military forces.