SOME P23.62 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized in the war against illegal drugs under the administration of President Marcos Jr., specifically from July 1 last year up to August 31 this year.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) yesterday said the illegal drugs were seized in 44,338 anti-drug operations launched during the period.
PDEA said the seized illegal drugs included 3,173.57 kilos of shabu worth P21.58 billion.
The other illegal drugs seized were 25.78 kilos of cocaine, 43,940 pieces of ecstasy and 2,739.93 kilos of marijuana, the agency reported.
The anti-drug operations also led to the arrest of 61,269 suspects, including 4,174 high-value targets.
Under the DEA’s Barangay Drug Clearing Program launched in 2016, a total of 27,748 barangays have been cleared of illegal drugs.
It said 7,785 barangays are still subject to drug-clearing operations.
PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said the figures show the government’s continuing war on drugs is a success.
“Just see the drug-cleared barangays. (The number of) our drug-cleared barangays continue to improve. The drug-affected barangays are now only 7,785,” said Carreon.
Carreon could not immediately say as to when they hope to clear the remaining drug-affected barangays. “What is important is we continue with our mandate, stay the course,” he said.
The Quezon City Police District said P41.2 million worth of assorted illegal drugs were seized by the unit during the third quarter of the year.
The QCPD said it conducted 458 anti-drug operations during the period, leading to the seizure of 5.69 kilos of suspected shabu, 18.44 kilos of marijuana, and 158 grams of kush or high-grade marijuana.
It said 817 drug dealers and peddlers were also arrested.
QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan thanked Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and the Quezon City Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council for their continuing support in the war against illegal drugs.
“I can say that we are winning the war against illegal drugs because of this mutual coordination and support,” said Maranan.
Police seized P632,400 worth of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested a jobless man in a buy-bust operation in Antipolo City last Saturday night.
Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Rizal PPO director, identified the suspect as alias Chris of Barangay San Rafael, Montalban Rizal.
Seize from him were several sachets containing more or less 93 grams of suspected shabu. — With Christian Oineza
