PDEA: 186 local drug groups operating in PHL

Authorities are hunting down nearly 200 local drug groups in the country, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Thursday.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a news conference that 186 local drug groups are included on the government’s list of over 12,000 high-value targets.

Aquino could not give an estimate of the number of international drug syndicates operating in the Philippines. He cited, however, the recent apprehension of Hong Liangyi, who is said to be a ranking member of the Dragon Wu drug ring.

Also on Thursday, the government reported that a total of 220,728 people were arrested in 151,601 anti-illegal drug operations from July 1, 2016 to November 30, 2019.

A total of 5,552 persons died in law enforcement operations while 419 drug dens nationwide were dismantled during the period.

The government said it has so far seized P40.39 billion worth of illegal drugs, of which P31.25 billion was shabu.

Law enforcers have arrested 726 government workers composed 347 government employees, 297 elected officials and 82 uniformed personnel for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165).

A total of 8,185 high value targets were arrested during the period which included foreigners, elected officials, uniformed personnel, government employees, drug group leaders or members, celebrities and members of armed groups. — BM, GMA News