PDEA destroys P12.34-B worth of dangerous drugs

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday destroyed more than 2.2 metric tons of dangerous drugs with an estimated street value of P12.34 billion, marking its biggest drug disposal activity so far this year.

In a statement, the PDEA said the dangerous drugs were permanently disposed of through thermal decomposition at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

PDEA said a total of 2,224,679.9705 grams of solid dangerous drugs and 106,386.0500 milliliters of liquid dangerous drugs were destroyed during the activity.

The bulk of the seized substances consisted of 1,774,023.9425 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth around P12.06 billion.

Among the major drug seizures that contributed to the volume were the interception of 876,000 grams of shabu in MIMAROPA and the confiscation of 906,406.40 grams of shabu in Valenzuela City during a major operation with law enforcement partners from CALABARZON.

PDEA said the two operations alone accounted for around 1.7 metric tons of shabu.

Other drugs destroyed were the following:

• 433,336.9546 grams of marijuana
• 2,208.7373 grams of cocaine
• 21.2214 grams of MDMA
• 9.0571 grams of MDMA mixed with methamphetamine
• 51 grams of diazepam
• 2.7076 grams of ketamine
• 22.1000 grams of nitrazepam
• 4.2500 grams of psilocybin
• 1,797 milliliters of liquid marijuana
• 104,589.0500 milliliters of liquid methamphetamine hydrochloride
• 15,000 grams of assorted expired medicines

PDEA director general Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said the destruction was the culmination of law enforcement efforts that led to the confiscation of the drugs and their eventual permanent disposal.

“More than two tons of dangerous drugs have now been permanently removed from the illegal drug trade,” Nerez said.

He said the destruction ensures the seized substances can no longer return to the illegal drug market or pose a threat to communities.

The activity was witnessed by Dangerous Drugs Board Chairperson Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, who served as guest of honor and speaker, along with representatives from government and law enforcement agencies, partner organizations, and the media. —VAL, GMA News