Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced on Wednesday that its operatives have seized illegal drugs valued at PHP9.52 billion from May 30 to June 13. In collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the agency also arrested 167 individuals involved in drug-related activities during 155 operations. These actions align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for a robust campaign against key figures in the drug trade.
According to Philippines News Agency, the arrested individuals included 107 alleged pushers, 33 drug den clients, 10 drug den operators, six drug den employees, eight possessors, two couriers, and one user. The operations comprised 102 buy-busts and drug recoveries, 15 marijuana eradication drives, seven search and seizure missions, four interdictions, and four substance turnovers.
Authorities reported that 1,040 kg of the seized 1,392.9 kg shabu were turned over by fisherfolk after discovering the illegal drugs floating off the coasts of Luzon provinces, particularly in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur. Additional confiscations included 165 milliliters of liquid shabu, 4.9 kg of marijuana kush, 30 kg of dried marijuana leaves, 75,993 cannabis plants, 4,400 seedlings, 500 grams of fruiting tops, 16 grams of cannabis-infused candy, and over 3,000 tablets and 4.6 grams of ecstasy.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez highlighted the strategic shift from reactive raids to intelligence-based interdiction, stating, 'We are aggressive in solving the drug problem at its roots targeting both distribution and cultivation sources.' He emphasized that the seizures represent significant doses kept off the streets, reflecting the effective coordination between PDEA and its counterparts.
The operations demonstrated the agency's comprehensive reach, capturing individuals from street-level dealers to drug den operators. Nerez reiterated the agency's commitment to continuing its anti-drug efforts, calling for community vigilance and support in dismantling drug networks.
In his recent podcast, President Marcos urged the PNP and PCG to enhance security at major entry points for illegal drugs and stressed the importance of transparency and law enforcement presence during the destruction of confiscated narcotics.
