P10.8 billion shabu still under PNP’s custody

MANILA, Philippines — At least 1.6 tons of shabu with an estimated value of P10.8 billion, confiscated in law enforcement operations have yet to be destroyed and are still in the custody of the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said they have yet to dispose of the drugs due to delays in the issuance of destruction orders from the courts.

“Yan ‘yung mga naiwan pa na may request na tayo for destruction,” he said in a text message yesterday.

Eleazar did not give a breakdown, but said the drugs were confiscated by police units nationwide.

The Supreme Court (SC) has reminded trial courts to conduct examination of illegal drugs within 72 hours after filing of the case and disposal within 24 hours after the inspection.

The SC said lower courts must comply with the requirements of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Eleazar attributed the delays to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Wilkins Villanueva said they might be left with no choice but to identify the courts delaying the disposal of illegal drugs in PDEA custody.

Villanueva said there are fewer than 10 courts handling cases of bulk seizures of drugs.