PDEA destroys almost P20-B worth of dangerous drugs

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Almost P20-billion worth of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals were destroyed on Thursday in Cavite province, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

The PDEA said it burned 3.7 tons of illegal drugs — the largest quantity destroyed so far — worth P19.9 billion. The prohibited narcotics were seized during months-long operations conducted by the agency along with counterpart law enforcement and military units.

Among the dangerous drugs destroyed were 2.7 tons of shabu (worth P18.4 billion); more than 300 kilos of marijuana (P36.8 million); over 407 kilos of cocaine (P2.1 million); and over 340 kilos of ecstasy (P1.3 million), among others, according to the consolidated report of PDEA Laboratory Service.

PDEA said that the pieces of drug evidence underwent thermal decomposition or thermolysis, which involves breaking down chemical compounds with tremendous heat.

“The destruction of the dangerous drugs is in compliance with the guidelines set on the custody and disposition of seized dangerous drugs under Section 21, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002,” the agency said in a statement.

Present during the burning of illegal narcotics were representatives from the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, local officials of Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City, and representatives from the Philippine National Police, among others.

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JPV