PDEA destroys P14.29 billion confiscated illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 2.5 tons of illegal drugs seized in recent operations with an estimated street value of P14.29 billion were destroyed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. facility in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires, Cavite yesterday.

The volume of the destroyed illegal drugs is said to be the largest in the country’s law enforcement history.

It consisted of 2,076.523 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, 426.479 kilos of marijuana and 18.357 kilos of Ecstasy.

“I am confident that this activity symbolizes the fulfillment of duty and transparency as well as serves as another stepping stone that will place this agency to greater heights in the succeeding years,” vice president-elect and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a speech read by PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva.

Carpio urged the public to support the government in its fight against illegal drugs.

“Together, let us further promote a safer environment for everyone through our constant support of various programs and campaigns of our law enforcers against drug abuse,” she said.

Villanueva lauded the National Bureau of Investigation, noting that NBI agents seized 1.5 tons of the destroyed shabu in Infanta, Quezon in March. “I would like to thank the NBI dahil kayo ang nagpalaki dito,” he said.

The illegal drugs were destroyed through thermal decomposition, which breaks down chemical compounds with the use of extreme heat.

Villanueva said the disposal of the dangerous drugs is in compliance with the guidelines set in Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

He thanked various courts for the expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases.

P544-M shabu seized in Cavite

Meanwhile around 80 kilos of shabu valued at P544 million were seized in stings in Cavite yesterday.

PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said 60 kilos valued at P408 million were confiscated from Dominador Omega Jr. and Siegfried Garcia at a subdivision in Barangay Paliparan II in Dasmariñas City at around 8 a.m.

The arrested suspects also reportedly yielded equipment used to manufacture shabu, such as a butane stove and rectangular plastic containers, as well as drug paraphernalia.

Elaine Maningas, Ricardo Santillan and Laurel dela Rosa were apprehended in Barangay Buenavista II in General Trias City.

PDEA said around 20 kilos of shabu valued at P136 million, cellular phones and identification cards were recovered from the suspects. – Ed Amoroso