Manila: The Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) has successfully confiscated more than PHP18 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 16 individuals involved in drug trafficking between July 14 and 20. The operations resulted in the capture of 987.6 grams of shabu, 9,500 grams of dried marijuana leaves, and 52,000 marijuana plants with a total estimated value of PHP18.2 million. Among those arrested, 11 were identified as high-value targets. PDEG acting chief Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates emphasized that these arrests are anticipated to significantly impact local drug syndicates, highlighting the group's dedication to strategic intelligence and targeted actions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) also reported substantial achievements, seizing PHP409.22 million worth of illegal drugs from July 11 to 19. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez noted that the operations involved 81 buy-busts, marijuana eradications, interdiction operations, raids, and routine inspections. These efforts led to the arrest of 109 individuals, including pushers, drug den visitors, employees, owners, possessors, couriers, and users. The seizures included 56,115.70 grams of shabu, various quantities of marijuana products, and marijuana plants and seedlings.

The continuous success in these anti-drug operations is attributed to the strengthened cooperation among the country's drug law enforcement agencies, reflecting a concerted effort to combat drug-related activities in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for an unyielding campaign against the drug trade.