Oplan Pokemon nets 89 persons, P1M drugs

CEBU, Philippines - At least 89 people were arrested by the joint operatives of the City Intelligence Branch, City Drug Enforcement Unit, and various police stations in another “One Time, Big Time” operation Wednesday resulting in the seizure of more than P1 million worth of drugs and other illegal items.

Bulk of the drugs was confiscated from John Carlo Francisca Matas, 24, resident of Barangay Ermita. Police operatives chanced upon him in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Pasil in possession of P385,000 worth of shabu.  He was allegedly acting suspiciously prompting the police operatives to question him. During the interrogation the suspect surrendered two large packs of shabu.

Based on the data released by CIB, 53 out of 89 arrested were in relation to illegal drugs, 16 for illegal gambling, 12 wanted persons, five for illegal possession of firearms, and three for theft.

 The police also seized 31 gambling machine—video karera and moli-moli; gambling paraphernalia; and P5,095 cash. There were also five firearms confiscated.

The police estimated the total value of illegal drugs seized during the operations to be P1,052,730 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board value. Charges are being prepared by the police against the suspects.

The simultaneous operation is part of “Oplan Pokemon” conducted against suspected drug personalities, wanted persons, loose firearms, and other forms of crimes. — Niña Lyka G. Modelo (FREEMAN)