AT least P75.35 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and 6,229 suspects have been killed in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs from July 1, 2016 to January 31 this year.
In its latest “real numbers,” the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said a total of 9,882.86 kilos of shabu, worth P63.22 billion, were seized during the period.
PDEA said the rest of the seized illegal drugs, worth P12.13 billion, were composed of 524.63 kilos of cocaine, 163,176 pieces of party drugs ecstasy, and 9,668.44 kilos of dried marijuana leaves.
It said a total of 226,662 anti-drug operations were conducted that led to the killing of 6,229 suspects and arrest of 327,039 others, including 14,389 high-value targets.
PDEA said 1,044 government workers — including 126 uniformed personnel and 396 elected government officials — and 352 foreigners were among those arrested during the operations.
The agency also said 4,170 children, aged four to 17, were rescued during the anti-drug operations. Most of these rescued children, or 2,487, were drug pushers.
It said 24,303 barangays have been cleared of illegal drugs, leaving 11,129 barangays that are still subject to the barangay drug-clearing program of PDEA.
“Out of the 42,045 affected barangays in the country (prior to the Duterte administration), it’s down to 11,129,” said PDEA chief Wilkins Villanueva.
“That’s what we’re trying to address before the President or this administration graduates, at least lessen the 11,129 (drug-affected) barangays. That’s what we are doing right now,” added Villanueva.
Villanueva said illegal drugs will continue to enter the country as long as there are drug users. Officials have earlier said most of the illegal drugs in the country are coming from other countries.
“That (entry of illegal drugs) won’t end as long as there are drug addicts in the Philippines. As long as there are drug addicts, illegal drugs will continue to come here. So, what needs to be done? We need the help of local governments, down to the barangays, so drug addicts will be rehabilitated. It’s only then (that) we can solve this,” said Villanueva.
“Why? If there are no more drug addicts, illegal drugs won’t enter here. But for as long there are addicts in the Philippines, they will continue to come in,” Villanueva said.
