The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday destroyed P1.91 billion worth of illegal drugs in Quezon City, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that seized narcotics are permanently removed from circulation after the courts authorize their disposal.
The destruction covered illegal drugs confiscated in PDEA-led and joint law enforcement operations that had already served as evidence in successfully prosecuted criminal cases.
According to the agency, a total of 335,668.1821 grams of solid dangerous drugs and 1,025.7000 milliliters of liquid dangerous drugs were destroyed through thermal decomposition at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Barangay Doña Imelda under strict security measures.
The destroyed contraband consisted of 279,671.7975 grams of shabu, 55,618.9291 grams of marijuana, 202.6755 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy) contained in 316 capsules, 77.5000 grams of Diazepam, 97.2800 grams of Pseudoephedrine, 933 milliliters of liquid marijuana, and 92.7000 milliliters of Toluene.
PDEA said the illegal drugs were incinerated only after the courts issued the necessary destruction orders, ensuring compliance with legal procedures while preventing the seized contraband from re-entering communities.
The destruction was carried out in the presence of representatives from various government agencies, civil society organizations, local officials, and the media as part of measures to promote transparency and accountability in the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said destroying confiscated illegal drugs is just as important as seizing them during law enforcement operations.
“Every gram of illegal drugs destroyed today represents lives protected, families spared from the devastating effects of drug abuse, and communities made safer. Once authorized by the courts, PDEA ensures that every confiscated drug is permanently destroyed,” Nerez said in a statement.
He said the public destruction of illegal drugs demonstrates the government’s commitment to an open and accountable anti-drug campaign.
“Our destruction process is conducted in full view of the courts, partner agencies, civil society, and the media because transparency builds public confidence. It reflects the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a government founded on integrity, accountability, and decisive public service,” he added.
The destruction activity was witnessed by Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Secretary Oscar F. Valenzuela and representatives from the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, law enforcement agencies, non-government organizations, barangay officials, and members of the media.
PDEA said the participation of multiple government agencies and stakeholders highlighted the transparency of the destruction process and reinforced safeguards to ensure that confiscated illegal drugs are permanently disposed of after the completion of court proceedings.
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