The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has arrested some 500 people and seized about P11.5 million worth of chemicals used in manufacturing illegal drugs during a series of raids since July 5.
Senior Undersecretary Dionisio Santiago, PDEA director general, said the raids, numbering 224, were conducted soon after the Philippine National Police (PNP) recalled its contingent detailed in the agency.
Santiago said the anti-drug operations were done with the help of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies.
Among those raided, according to Santiago, were shabu laboratories and warehouses of chemicals in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and San Pedro, Laguna, and marijuana plantations in Sarangani and Bukidnon.
Despite the lack of personnel, Santiago said his agency would exert its best to succeed in its campaign against illegal drugs.
He added that PDEA will continue its aggressive campaign against drug abusers, in cooperation with local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in accordance with Presidential Decree 1619 or the law on volatile substances.
PDEA is also targeting law enforcers involved in the illegal drug trade as well as high-profile drug personalities.
Meanwhile, PDEA’s Preventive Education and Community Involvement Service continues to reach out to communities through drug awareness lectures and outreach programs like medical-dental missions.
With the help of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, Santiago reported that PDEA is now screening new recruits to meet the agency’s manpower requirements. – With Fritsche Bautista