Manila: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized PHP49.98 million worth of illegal drugs during operations from July 4 to 11 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to pursue a relentless campaign against the drug trade. In a statement on Sunday, PDEA said it conducted 54 high-impact operations-42 buy-busts, four interdictions, four search warrants, three marijuana eradications, and one routine inspection, leading to the arrest of 76 drug personalities.

According to Philippines News Agency, operatives confiscated 7,192.80 grams of shabu and eradicated 5,100 pieces of marijuana plants, primarily in the Cordillera Administrative Region during the period. PDEA Director General Undersecretary and Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) Chairman Isagani Nerez underscored the operation's alignment with national strategy.

Nerez stated, "These results demonstrate the strong commitment of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives. PDEA relentlessly suppress(es) both the supply and demand for destroying our communities through lawful means, while prioritizing humane strategies focused on rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration for those victimized by substance abuse."

Nerez commended the continued compliance of the agency's regional offices with the operational objectives of sustained and intensified counter-drug operations across the archipelago. The PDEA and ICAD, a body composed of 42 member-agencies, conduct intelligence-driven operations 24/7 nationwide.