PNP to intensify anti-drug ops

Following seizure of P6.9-billion shabu in Pangasinan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will sustain aggressive anti-drug operations in the country following the seizure of P6.9 billion worth of shabu in two successive operations in Pangasinan last week, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Nartatez said the seizures are proof of good coordination among the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement units in line with President Marcos’ order for a relentless campaign against illegal drugs, without compromising operational procedures and human rights.

Authorities seized last Thursday 125 kilos of shabu, with an estimated street value of P850 million, and arrested a Chinese and his Filipino cohort in Bugallon, Pangasinan.

Another operation led to the seizure of a large stash, valued at P6.08 billion, in nearby Labrador town the following day.

“This is a good example of an accomplishment that we can do every day, especially when the community as well as the agencies concerned are in coordination. We assure (the public) that we will get to the bottom of this case by identifying all the personalities involved and filing cases against them,” Nartatez said in a statement.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the twin operation is a “significant victory” in the country’s ongoing war on illegal drugs.

“Based on PDEA records, the Marcos administration has now surpassed the drug haul volumes of all previous administrations combined,” Nerez said.

Official PDEA data showed a total of P87.19 billion worth of illegal drugs seized from July 2022 to August 2025.

Despite the successes, Nerez cautioned that the fight is far from over.

“This is a significant victory, but it’s not the end. We will continue to pursue syndicates relentlessly,” Nerez said. — Artemio Dumlao