Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced on Thursday the successful seizure of PHP116.12 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 75 individuals, including nine drug den owners, during a series of operations conducted over a week.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez detailed that these outcomes were the result of 55 anti-illegal drug operations carried out from November 28 to December 5. The confiscated illegal substances included 13,607.65 grams of suspected shabu, 1,000 grams of cocaine, 81,360 pieces of marijuana plants, 1,381.37 grams of marijuana kush, 645 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 640 grams of marijuana seedlings, 103 ml of marijuana oil, and 344 grams of opium.

Among those arrested, 41 were identified as pushers, 14 as visitors to drug dens, seven as owners or maintainers of drug dens, 10 as possessors, and three as employees of drug dens. All suspects are set to face charges in accordance with Republic Act 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated evidence has been secured for forensic examination and will be utilized in upcoming court proceedings.

PDEA's General Nerez emphasized the agency's dedication to combating illegal drugs, stating, "This week's accomplishments show PDEA's strong commitment, together with our partners from other law enforcement agencies, to rid our communities of illegal drugs. We are cutting off supply chains and eliminating illegal drug sources. The PHP116.12 million worth of illegal drugs removed from our communities means countless lives protected from drug addiction and crime."