'Walang nanlaban': PDEG seizes over P795-M worth of illegal drugs in May 2024
The Drug Enforcement Group of the Philippine National Police (PDEG) seized more than P795 million worth of illegal drugs in 81 intelligence-driven operations last month.
And despite the huge quantity of illegal drugs confiscated and more than 74 people involved in the operations, PDEG spokesperson Col. Cherry Lou Donato said there was no recorded fatality in the operations from May 1 to 31.
Of the 74 arrested persons, 47 of them were arrested in buy-bust operations, 24 were wanted persons arrested in manhunt while three were captured through serving of search warrants.
PDEG director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the 81 operations include 31 buy-bust operations and 24 manhunt operations while the rest are implementation of search warrants and marijuana eradication.
During the monthlong operation, Matta said they were able to confiscate a total of 5,644 grams of shabu; and destroyed a total of 3,132,300 pieces of marijuana plants; 500 pieces of marijuana seedlings; 1,090,000 marijuana leaves; and 3,000 grams of marijuana seeds.
He said the estimated street value of confiscated and destroyed illegal drugs is P795,734,200.
“PNP DEG’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal drugs in May 2024 has made a significant impact in safeguarding our communities. Upholding law and order and we remain steadfast in our mission to create a drug-free environment for all citizens,” said Matta.
The official said they will continue aggressive operations against illegal drugs.
Since July 2022, there was a noticeable shift in the conduct of illegal drugs operations with the emphasis on less bloody drug war—an instruction given by President Marcos’ first PNP chief, retired general Rodolfo Azurin.
Azurin’s successor, Benjamin Acorda, Jr., initiated policies and reforms that opened the PNP doors to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)—the agency which was openly criticized by a handful of top ranking police officials in the past administration.