Drug-affected baragays down to 18.9% – PDEA

MANILA, Philippines —  Only around 19 percent of barangays in the country remain affected by illegal drugs, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

under the administration of President Marcos. Data released by PDEA yesterday showed that 7,976 barangays were affected by illegal drugs as of July 31, which is 18.97 percent of the 42,027 barangays nationwide.

In May this year, there were around 8,288 barangays facing problems related to illegal drugs. This means 312 barangays became drug-free in a span of two months.

The PDEA said 27,553 barangays have been cleared of illegal drugs.

PDEA said 57,474 drug suspects were arrested in 41,587 law enforcement operations since President Marcos assumed office on July 1, 2022.

Among those apprehhended are 3,790 ”high-value” drug targets.

Anti-narcotics agents seized 5,865 kilos of shabu, marijuana and cocaine and 43,940 pieces of party drug Ecstasy worth P23.23 billion during the same period.

The government dismantled 622 drug dens and a clandestine drug laboratory.

PDEA and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology had earlier signed an agreement to share personal data of foreigners detained on drug charges in city and municipal jails across the country.

Under the agreement, criminal and intelligence information collected by PDEA and the BJMP will be shared in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act.

The exchanged information will greatly aid investigation and crackdown on members of drug trafficking organizations, PDEA said.