(UPDATE) Gov't destroys over $14-M worth of dangerous drugs

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The anti-narcotics agency destroyed on Wednesday a total of P637.8 million ($14.54 million) worth of dangerous drugs.

Destroyed were a total of 386.08 kilograms of assorted pieces of drug evidence composed of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, ephedrine, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, valium, oxycodone, and expired medicines, said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr.

"These are part of the illegal drugs that were seized during operations conducted by PDEA combined with those turned over by other partner drug law enforcement agencies that are no longer needed as evidence in court," he said.

Based on the consolidated report of the PDEA Laboratory Service, ephedrine, one of the primary components in the production of shabu, represents 62.6 percent and shabu constitutes 36.5 percent of the total amount of illegal drugs that were destroyed through thermal decomposition.

The activity was made in compliance with the requirements of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No.1 series of 2002.

"The destruction of seized illegal drugs in accordance with the provisions of the law, will eliminate any misconception that these items are being recycled and peddled back into the streets," Cacdac said.