Manila, Feb. 28 -- Intensified police operations during a nearly two-month period in Central Luzon resulted in the arrest of 1,543 drug suspects and the seizure of PHP43 million worth of illegal drugs, the Police Regional Office 3 reported on Friday.

In a news release, PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said authorities conducted 1,031 anti-drug operations, confiscating 6.17 kg. of shabu, 7.14 kg. of dried marijuana leaves and 86.24 grams of kush (high-grade marijuana).

Among those arrested were 63 were high-value individuals (HVIs), considered as key players in the region's drug trade.

"These numbers represent lives saved and communities protected. PRO-3 remains relentless in its mission to dismantle drug networks, stop the flow of i...