Manila: Authorities confiscated PHP106.20 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 106 suspects in nationwide anti-drug operations conducted from May 28 to June 4, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported on Monday. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the agency carried out 79 operations across the country during this period.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations included 67 buy-bust operations, seven marijuana eradication operations, three search-and-seizure operations, and two interdiction operations. "Many of the successful operations were made possible through real-time intelligence and community cooperation," Nerez noted in a statement, urging the public to remain vigilant and report illegal drug activities.

Seized during the operations were 5,701.69 grams of shabu; 58,940 milliliters of liquid shabu; 201 pieces of Ecstasy; 320,000.41 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 34,570 marijuana plants; 5,430 grams of marijuana stalks; 528,000 marijuana seedlings, and chemical precursors and essential chemicals, including 108,704 milliliters of acetone, 1,527 milliliters of hydrochloric acid, and 527 milliliters of sulfuric acid.

Of the 106 individuals arrested, 76 were identified as drug pushers, 11 as drug den visitors or clients, seven as drug den maintainers or owners, five as drug den employees, three as drug users, two as drug possessors, and two as clandestine laboratory workers or operators. All suspects will face charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PDEA stated that the confiscated items have been placed under government custody for forensic examination and will be presented as evidence in court proceedings.