By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confiscated PHP32.76 million worth of illegal drugs from May 2 to 9 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue a relentless campaign against the drug trade.
In a statement on Tuesday, the PDEA said it conducted 51 undercover buy-busts, marijuana eradication operations, and raids, leading to the arrest of 69 drug personalities.
The operatives confiscated 3,645.38 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu; 1,050 grams of dried marijuana leaves; 29,378.76 grams of dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops; and 16,580 pieces of marijuana plants during the period.
Among the regions where anti-drug operatives struck most were the Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Caraga Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Cordillera Administrative Region.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez commended the continued compliance of the agency’s regional offices with the operational objectives of sustained and intensified counter-drug operations across the archipelago.
“The effective and efficient strategic orchestration and collaboration among the country’s drug law enforcement agencies gave rise to the positive gains in the regional anti-drug efforts,” Nerez said.
He added that PDEA “will not grow tired in launching operations after operations until our dream of a country having drug-free communities is realized.” (PNA)
