PDEA: P28 billion drugs seized, 64,862 suspects held since 2022

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 64,862 suspects have been arrested and P28 billion worth of drugs confiscated under the administration of President Marcos.

Based on data released by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday, the suspects were apprehended in 47,076 law enforcement operations nationwide from July 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023.

Of the number, 4,468 were listed as high-value suspects in the illegal drug trade.

The anti-narcotics operations resulted in the confiscation of 6,590.01 kilos of shabu, marijuana and cocaine.

The PDEA said 52,386 pieces of the party drug Ecstasy valued at P28.01 billion were also seized.

On the government’s efforts to rid the communities of drugs, the PDEA said 27,799 barangays are now drug-free.

At least 7,738 barangays are still considered drug-affected, police said.

The PDEA said 726 drug dens and a clandestine laboratory were dismantled.

Meanwhile, officials of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) held a two-day training session with members of the Association of Born Again Christians this week.

The DDB said the program aims to decrease drug demand by providing religious organizations the knowledge and skills on drug abuse prevention.