“This was the result of the implementation of ‘One Time, Big Time operation’ pushed by the Philippine National Police. This was one of the biggest one-time operation against illegal drugs in Bataan,” said Senior Supt. Rhodel Sermonia, provincial police director.
He said that the operation emanated from the application of a search warrant in Barangay Poblacion, Mariveles.
Involved in the raid were police elements from the Special Weapons and Tactics, Provincial Police Safety Command, Provincial Intelligence Branch and the Mariveles police under Supt. Hercules Ileto, police chief.
Sermonia said the apprehensions resulted from buy-bust operation, implementation of search and arrest warrants while the others were caught in the act of pot session in a drug den in Barangay Poblacion.
He said that the owner of the drug den was in the list of 10 Most Wanted drug personalities in Bataan.
“Ang pagkakahuli sa kanila ay malaki ang epekto sa drug operation sa lalawigan sapagka’t halos sila ang supplier ng droga hindi lamang sa Mariveles kundi maging sa mga karatig-bayan,” Sermonia said.
He said they were verifying reports that the illegal drugs come through the sea from Olongapo City, Subic and Cavite City.
The provincial police chief gave credit to the newly-launched multi-sectoral and all-out government approach in the fight against illegal drugs in Bataan. “Massive information drive and multi-sectoral revitalized efforts against drugs contributed much to the success of our campaign,” Sermonia said.
He said that since the multi-sectoral campaign was launched last month, 500 pushers have already been arrested and more than 100 voluntarily surrendered.
Cases for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act were readied against 28 suspects while the four minors were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
