Cavite: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday destroyed PHP16 billion worth of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) in Cavite province. This operation marks the second-largest drug destruction in the country's history in terms of both volume and value.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PDEA stated that the destroyed substances included 2,904,756.6818 grams of solid illegal drugs and 14,117.8500 milliliters of liquid illegal drugs. These were destroyed through thermal decomposition or thermolysis at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City.
The substances were comprised of 2,336,482.6324 grams of shabu, 529,906.1246 grams of marijuana, 3,067.6948 grams of MDMA or ecstasy, 8,790.8800 grams of cocaine, 11,315.9900 grams of ketamine, 10,146.2600 grams of nimetazepam, 41.5600 grams of toluene, 4.7900 grams of opium poppy, 0.5800 gram of nitrazepam, 0.1700 gram of diazepam, along with 4,506.7200 ml of liquid marijuana, 851.1300 ml of liquid shabu, 8,760 ml of ephedrine, and 5,000 grams of assorted surrendered expired medicines.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez stated that these dangerous drugs were seized from various anti-drug operations conducted by PDEA in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies. Some of the drugs were also recently ordered by the court to be destroyed.
Nerez emphasized that the destruction process was conducted in full view of the public to ensure transparency and accountability, addressing concerns of drug recycling. He noted that this significant destruction is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs by targeting high-level syndicated drug traffickers and small-time pushers.
Since Nerez's assumption as PDEA director general over eight months ago, 14 destruction activities have been carried out nationwide, leading to the destruction of nearly PHP33 billion worth of dangerous drugs.
In a related incident, police seized approximately 169.3 grams of shabu in eight sachets, valued at PHP1.15 million, from a high-value individual named Michael, 35, during a buy-bust operation at Modomo Street, Barangay Upper Bicutan, Taguig on Wednesday.
Taguig City officer-in-charge Col. Byron Allatog reported that other confiscated items included PHP1,000 genuine marked money, six pieces of boodle money, a cellphone, and related drug paraphernalia. The seized items were inventoried and marked in the presence of witnesses, while the illegal drugs were submitted to the Southern Police District Forensic Unit (SPDFU) for examination.
The suspect is currently detained at the Taguig City Police Custodial Facility and will face charges for violation of Sections 5 (Sale) and 11 (Possession) of Article II, Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
