By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

MAJOR HAUL. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno (front row, left to right) lead the inspection of seized suspected shabu approximately worth PHP278 million at the Manila International Container Port on Feb. 10, 2026. The PNP on Wednesday (May 6) reported that PHP12.4 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized during the first four months of the year. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – Police anti-drug operations conducted from January to April this year netted PHP12.4 billion worth of illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Wednesday.

During the period, police units nationwide carried out 26,431 operations, resulting in the arrest of 30,752 individuals.

Authorities seized 1,793,313.22 grams of shabu; 3,392,932 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 4,661,341 marijuana plants; 11,548 grams of cocaine; 273 grams of ecstasy; and 2,568 grams of kush marijuana, with a total standard value of PHP12.4 billion.

In April alone, police conducted 5,353 anti-illegal drug operations nationwide, leading to the arrest of 6,196 individuals and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth around PHP1.19 billion.

Seized during the month were 161,125.22 grams of shabu; 254,803 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 4,391,826 marijuana plants; 3,154 grams of cocaine; and 344 grams of kush marijuana.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will further strengthen intelligence-led operations and cooperation with partner agencies and communities to sustain momentum on the ground.

“Patuloy ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Ang layunin natin ay hindi lang ang mahuli ang mga lumalabag, kundi mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng bawat barangay (Our campaign against illegal drugs continues. Our goal is not just to catch violators, but to maintain the safety of each barangay). This is about protecting families and securing the future of our youth,” he said in a statement. (PNA)