2,656 Suspected Drug Pushers in Central Visayas Surrender Since July 1, Says Regional Police

he Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 said a total of 2,656 suspected drug pushers in Central Visayas have surrendered to the police since the start of “Operation: Tokhang” last July 1.

Under Oplan Tokhang, the police knock on the houses of suspected drug pushers and users and urge them to stop their activities

Senior Superintendent Rey Lyndon Lawas, PRO 7 deputy director for operations, said the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) recorded the most number of drug personalities who surrendered at 1,646.

The BPPO was followed by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) with 411.

Lawas said 334 pushers surrendered to different police stations under the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO); 175 to the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO); and 90 to the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO).

No one surrendered to the Siquijor Provincial Police Office.

Lawas said they have no data yet on the number of drug addicts who have turned themselves in.

Some of the pushers, who have no pending cases in courts, were endorsed by their local government units for rehabilitation.

All of those who surrendered, who promised to stop selling drugs, had their photographs and fingerprints taken for record purposes of the police.

But many were later arrested in buy-bust operations after they continued to sell illegal drugs. (PNA) JMC/EB/EDS