PDEA destroys P5.36 billion seized illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed P5.36 billion worth of confiscated illegal drugs in Trece Martires, Cavite yesterday.

A total of 989,996.04 grams of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors, including shabu, marijiuana, cocaine and Ecstasy were destroyed through thermal decomposition at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Barangay Aguado at around 9 a.m.

Up to 92,631 milliliters of acetic anhydride and liquid marijuana and 68,900 grams of expired medicine were also destroyed.

PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva, who led the ceremonial destruction, said the activity was in compliance with the guidelines on the custody and disposition of seized illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Dangerous Drugs Board regulations.

“Your PDEA will continue to diligently work to achieve a drug-free Philippines,” Villanueva said.

Representatives from the Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police attended the activity.

Villanueva said they are working overtime to destroy seized illegal drugs in their custody even as he admitted that the disposal has been delayed due to quarantine restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He cited courts that are closed whenever there is a surge in infections.