By Chito A. Chavez
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led other government agencies in the destruction of seized illegal drugs worth P563,460,626.91 at the Clean Leaf International Corporation facility in Barangay Maysilo, Malabon City.
Destroyed through thermal decomposition were 112,078.28 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P560,391,400; 181.77 grams of cocaine worth P763,434; 340.64 grams of marijuana worth P34,064; 375.59 grams of ecstasy worth P2,271,713.71; 0.38 gram of ephedrine worth P15.20; 1,536.60 grams of nitrazepam; and 5,000 grams of expired medicines.
PDEA Director-General Aaron Aquino cited the different branches of Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in the cities of Antipolo, Dagupan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malolos, Bulacan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Parañaque, Pasig, and Quezon, and Court of Appeals for the expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases that led to the prompt destruction of the illegal drugs no longer needed as evidence in court.
Aquino explained that thermal decomposition is the process by which various compounds are broken down into single units by the application of heat wherein reconstruction of the substances is impossible.
“The destruction of seized illegal drugs is in accordance with the provisions of the law and will eliminate any misconception that these items are being recycled and peddled back into the streets,” Aquino said.
The destruction is in compliance with the requirements of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No.1 Series of 2002.