More than P40 million worth of illegal drugs were seized while 110 drug personalities were arrested in a week-long series of anti-drug operations conducted across the country, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
PDEA, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, carried out 83 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide from June 18 to 25.
Authorities confiscated 3,574.91 grams of shabu, 72,240 marijuana plants, 9,899.13 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 2,800 marijuana seedlings, and 5.18 grams of marijuana kush, with a total estimated value of P40.06 million.
The operations included 68 buy-bust operations, eight marijuana eradication operations, four search warrant operations, two warrant of arrest operations, and one interdiction operation.
Among the arrested suspects were 76 alleged pushers, 19 possessors, five drug den visitors or clients, four drug den owners or maintainers, two drug den employees, and two drug users.
PDEA said the operations covered all regions and included drug interdiction, marijuana eradication, search and seizure operations, and the implementation of warrants.
Several major operations were recorded on June 18, including the seizure of 154.39 grams of shabu in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City; 511 grams of shabu in Barangay Liptong, Valencia, Negros Oriental; and 500 grams of shabu in Barangay Halang, Naic, Cavite.
Authorities also seized 500 grams of shabu in Barangay Rizal, Taguig City on June 21, while another 500 grams of shabu was confiscated in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City on June 23.
In the Cordillera region, anti-drug teams destroyed thousands of marijuana plants in Benguet and Kalinga, including 52,000 marijuana plants in Barangay Loccong, Tinglayan, Kalinga.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said the latest operations showed that illegal marijuana cultivation remains concentrated in the Cordillera region, particularly in Kalinga and Benguet.
He also cited continuing drug smuggling concerns in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as the need to intensify monitoring of seaports as possible entry points for illegal drugs.
“These accomplishments reflect the commitment of PDEA, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies in protecting our communities from the threat of illegal drugs,” Nerez said.
“Every successful operation in the cities, ports, or remote areas strengthens public safety. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and sustain our efforts in support of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign for a safer and drug-free Philippines,” he added.
Nerez also urged the public to report illegal drug activities in their communities, saying public cooperation remains vital in protecting families and preventing the spread of illegal drugs.