By Chito Chavez
CAVITE — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed ₱12.34 billion worth of seized illegal drugs and expired medicines on Thursday, Aug. 27, marking its largest disposal volume this year.
The destruction, carried out through thermal decomposition at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Trece Martires, Cavite, involved more than 2.2 million grams of solid substances and 106,000 milliliters of liquid drugs.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the bulk of the haul consisted of 1.77 million grams of shabu valued at ₱12.06 billion, including major seizures such as 876,000 grams intercepted in MIMAROPA and 906,000 grams confiscated in Valenzuela City.
Other substances destroyed included 433,000 grams of marijuana, 2,200 grams of cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, diazepam, nitrazepam, psilocybin, and assorted expired medicines.
Nerez stressed that the destruction represents the culmination of law enforcement operations that permanently removed more than two tons of dangerous drugs from circulation.
“These drugs were taken off the streets through the hard work of our personnel and partner agencies. Their incineration ensures they can no longer return to the illegal drug market or threaten communities,” he said.
