By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Authorities seized PHP383 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 119 suspects in operations conducted from Feb. 27 to March 6.
In a statement Tuesday, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isagani Nerez said 85 operations were carried out nationwide during the period.
Seized drugs included 46,021.02 grams of suspected shabu; 212,460 marijuana plants; 225,055.66 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 10,000 seedlings; 2,000 grams of stalks; and 3,983.88 grams of crystallized ecstasy.
Among those arrested were 54 drug pushers and 17 drug den operators.
All suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The seized items are in custody for forensic examination and court proceedings.
“The operations this week represent a significant victory for the Filipino people,” Nerez said.
“From intercepting massive shipments at our ports to eradicating entire plantations in the mountains and arresting those who profit from illegal drug trafficking, we are demonstrating an unrelenting, whole-of-nation approach to this problem.” (PNA)
