Manila: The Marcos administration's anti-drug campaign has successfully seized PHP87.19 billion worth of narcotics since July 2022, as reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday. The seized drugs included 11,680.81 kilograms of shabu, 100.57 kilograms of cocaine, 144,927 kilograms of ecstasy tablets, and 7,767.16 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves and bricks, all confiscated from July 2022 to August this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA conducted 120,787 operations nationwide during this period, leading to the arrest of 162,597 suspects, including 10,342 high-value targets. PDEA Director General, Undersecretary Isagani Nerez, emphasized the significance of these operations as a demonstration of their commitment to dismantling the drug menace at all levels. During the same period, authorities dismantled 1,582 drug dens and three clandestine shabu laboratories. Additionally, 29,633 out of 42,000 villages have been declared "drug-cleared," and 6,193 barangays have been declared drug-free.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to continue the government's relentless fight against the illegal drugs trade in the country.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) also reported significant achievements in their operations. During a weeklong police operation from September 8 to 14, PHP7.6 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated, and 872 individuals were arrested. Acting chief PNP Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted the arrest of 119 most wanted persons and 198 other wanted individuals. Additionally, 140 anti-illegal gambling operations resulted in 295 arrests, and around PHP75,000 in bet money was confiscated. They also apprehended 41 individuals for carrying unlicensed firearms. Nartatez stressed these operations reflect their commitment to law and order and building trust within communities.
In the Southern Police District, Director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo reported that SPD operatives arrested 15 wanted persons during a series of law enforcement operations from September 16 to 17. The arrested individuals faced charges for various offenses, including Unjust Vexation in relation to Republic Act 10175, Qualified Theft, and Serious Physical Injuries.
In a related incident, a human trafficking operation was thwarted in Taguig City. Thirteen individuals, including five minors and eight adults, were rescued from an alleged human trafficking scheme inside a spa disguised as a wellness center. Col. Byron Allatog, Taguig City police officer-in-charge, stated that two suspects, Rafael, 39, and Riza, 35, will face charges for violating RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by RA 10364 and RA 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act). The operation was based on intelligence information about illicit sexual services being offered by both minor and adult therapists.
