MORE than P5.5 million worth of substance believed to be shabu was seized by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-Central Luzon during an anti-illegal drug operation launched in Barangay Sindalan, City of San Fernando recently.

RPDEU-Central Luzon Chief Captain Vlademir Canapi said the substance, weighing 810 grams, was confiscated from Acmali Francisco alias "Balbas," 26, who has been considered a high-value target.

Francisco, along with Mohammer Haji Ganda, 25, Jalal Mauyag, 25, and Michael Villacorta, 35, became subjects of a series of surveillance of profiling to confirm their involvement in illegal activities before the actual operation that led to their immediate arrest, Canapi said.

"Dito sila nag-ooperate sa Pampanga, Angeles City at Bulacan. Minsan hanggang sa Manila. Ang plano nila ipakalat itong tatlong plastic ng shabu sa mga area, pero may binabanggit pa sila na 'kuya' na nasa Mindanao na kumukuha din daw ng shabu sa kanila," he said.

Aside from the shabu seized from Francisco, Canapi said two more medium-sized packs containing the same substance and amounting to about P2,000 each were also confiscated from Villacorta and Ganda. Also seized from them was an undocumented caliber .45 pistol.

The suspects are now facing multiple charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunitions law, said Canapi.

He warned other drug personalities to stop their illegal activities, saying the Philippine National Police will never waver on its nationwide campaign against illegal drugs.

"Mas pinaiigting pa namin ang operasyon kontra droga lalo na dito sa Central Luzon, sa pangunguna ng aming Regional Director Brigadier General Joel Coronel, para masiguro ang katahimikan at kapayaan sa ating lugar," he said.