PDEA torches P1.9 billion drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday destroyed over P1.91 billion worth of confiscated illegal drugs at a crematorium in Quezon City, solidifying the government’s stance against recycling of seized contraband.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the drug haul was incinerated through thermal decomposition at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Barangay Doña Imelda.

Nerez emphasized that the destruction of illicit substances is as crucial as the actual law enforcement operations that take these off the streets.

“Every gram of illegal drugs destroyed today represents lives protected, families spared from the devastating effects of drug abuse and communities made safer,” Nerez said. “Once authorized by the courts, PDEA ensures that every confiscated drug is permanently destroyed.”

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) chairman Oscar Valenzuela was the guest of honor and speaker during the activity, which was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, civil society organizations and the media.

A total of 335,668.18 grams of solid dangerous drugs and 1,025.70 milliliters of liquid contraband were destroyed.

The bulk of the incinerated drugs consisted of 279,671.79 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and 55,618.92 grams of marijuana.

Also destroyed were 202.67 grams of MDMA or Ecstasy, 77.5 grams of diazepam, 97.28 grams of pseudoephedrine, 933 milliliters of liquid marijuana and 92.7 milliliters of toluene.

According to PDEA, the destroyed substances were seized during various anti-drug operations and were ordered disposed of by the courts after serving as evidence in successfully prosecuted cases.

Nerez lauded the judiciary for the swift prosecution of drug cases and the timely issuance of court orders required for the destruction of the evidence.

“Our destruction process is conducted in full view of the courts, partner agencies, civil society and the media because transparency builds public confidence,” he said.