A total of PHP5.8 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized in the National Capital Region (NCR) since November last year, with Metro Manila’s top cop vowing to sustain the campaign’s gains.

Citing latest data, NCR Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said Tuesday a total of 12,597 anti-drug operations resulted in the confiscation of 839,475.48 grams of shabu worth PHP5.7 billion; 568,233.17 grams of marijuana worth PHP68 million; ecstasy worth PHP27 million; and 286.10 grams of cocaine amounting to PHP1.5 million from November 2020 to December 12 this year.

Danao, who assumed his post as Metro Manila’s top cop on Nov. 10, 2020, vowed to sustain the gains in the illegal drugs campaign, lauding his team for the job well done.

“To the men and women of Team NCRPO, I would like to extend my most sincere appreciation for your hard work which contributed a lot for us to attain the accomplishments that we have now. Beyond the glamor of these accomplishments though, is a continuing challenge to do better in the days ahead,” Danao said.

Since the Duterte administration took office in 2016, it has launched a massive campaign against illegal drugs, with the president saying that the drug problem is a “never-ending one” and if not resolved, can put the country under the control of the narco-politicians.

He vowed to defend the police officers who perform their duties in accordance with the law.

Aside from the huge drug haul, Danao also touted the 6,099 illegal gambling operations from the same period that resulted in the arrest of over 18,000 persons and a total of PHP5.4 million bet confiscated.

The NCRPO also arrested 1,353 persons from the 1,296 operations against loose firearms. (PNA)