The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) concluded a major anti-drug campaign in December 2025, resulting in the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at nearly P19.5 million and the arrest of 245 suspects. Authorities announced the results of the month-long operation on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Holiday Season Crackdown Targets Drug Supply
From December 1 to 31, 2025, the CCPO executed a total of 211 separate operations. The intensified drive was strategically launched to preempt a potential surge in drug demand commonly associated with the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The newly installed CCPO director, Col. George Ylanan, stated that the crackdown was a critical measure to ensure public safety and maintain order throughout the festive period.
Breakdown of Arrests and Operations
Police records provide a detailed look at the operation's outcomes. Among the 245 individuals apprehended, 23 were classified as high-value targets, while the remaining 222 were street-level suspects, including both drug pushers and users. The methods of apprehension were diverse:
- 56 buy-bust operations
- 153 police response actions
- 2 checkpoint arrests
Beyond the narcotics haul, officers also successfully confiscated four unlicensed firearms during the course of these operations, further enhancing community security.
Aligning with Regional Security Goals
Col. Ylanan emphasized that this significant accomplishment directly supports the strategic directives of Police Regional Office 7 Director, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan. The overarching goal is to sustain peace and security across the entire Central Visayas region. The successful December campaign demonstrates the CCPO's commitment to this regional security framework and its proactive approach to law enforcement.
