MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed on Thursday approximately ₱16 billion worth of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) in Trece Martires City, Cavite, marking the second-largest drug destruction operation in the country’s history in terms of both value and volume.
According to a statement from PDEA, the massive haul included 2,904,756.6818 grams of solid illegal drugs and 14,117.8500 milliliters of liquid illegal substances, all destroyed through thermal decomposition or thermolysis at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. facility in Barangay Aguado.
Among the items destroyed were 2,336,482.6324 grams of shabu, 529,906.1246 grams of marijuana, 3,067.6948 grams of MDMA (ecstasy), 8,790.8800 grams of cocaine, 11,315.9900 grams of ketamine, 10,146.2600 grams of nimetazepam, and various other illegal substances. The inventory also included 4,506.7200 milliliters of liquid marijuana, 851.1300 milliliters of liquid shabu, 8,760 milliliters of ephedrine, and 5,000 grams of expired surrendered medicines.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez emphasized that the destruction process is conducted “in full view of the public” to uphold transparency and accountability.
He noted that the latest drug destruction, valued at ₱16 billion or roughly 2.9 tons of narcotics, is second only to the ₱19.9 billion (3.7 tons) worth of illegal drugs destroyed in March 2023, also in Cavite. Both large-scale operations were conducted under the Marcos administration as part of its intensified anti-drug campaign.
Since assuming office eight months ago, Nerez reported that PDEA has conducted 14 destruction operations nationwide, resulting in the extermination of nearly ₱33 billion worth of dangerous drugs.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, police in Taguig City arrested a 35-year-old high-value individual identified only as Michael during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Upper Bicutan on Wednesday.
Authorities seized 169.3 grams of shabu worth an estimated ₱1.15 million, along with marked money, boodle money, and drug paraphernalia.
Taguig City Police officer-in-charge Col. Byron Allatog confirmed that the suspect is detained in the Taguig City Police Custodial Facility and will face charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale) and 11 (Possession) of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The seized evidence has been submitted to the Southern Police District Forensic Unit (SPDFU) for chemical analysis.
The PDEA’s continued large-scale destruction of illegal drugs highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to combating the illegal drug trade through transparency, accountability, and swift disposal of confiscated substances.
