PDEA: P331.2-M worth of illegal drugs, expired meds destroyed in Region 9
By Chito Chavez

A total of P331,200,419.1 worth of dangerous drugs confiscated in the various operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula were destroyed on Wednesday, Feb. 12, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
In a statement, PDEA said it was the largest ever destruction made in the region.
Through the thermal destruction method conducted at the Liberty Power and Energy Corporation (LPEC) in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, the burned drugs consist of 48,689.6695 grams of shabu and 1,041 pieces of expired medicines.
The PDEA noted that the destroyed drugs include the 21 and 16 kilos of shabu seized from two separate anti-drug operations in Zamboanga City last year.
In coordination with the concerned government agencies and stakeholders, the destruction was carried out in compliance with the “court orders issued by the Regional Trial Courts of Pagadian City, Molave, Aurora, and Zamboanga City.’’
PDEA Regional Office Director Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc emphasized that this milestone underscores the agency’s relentless efforts in the war against illegal drugs.
“This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and ensuring these confiscated substances will never reach the streets again,” Tosoc said.
She also thanked “the LPEC, and all officials and stakeholders who attended the activity, for making this possible.’’
The activity was graced by Rep. Divina Grace C. Yu of the first district of Zamboanga del Sur and representatives from the law enforcement agencies, judiciary, local government units (LGUs) and media personalities among others.
With this record-breaking destruction, Tosoc vowed that the PDEA Regional Office 9 will continue to strengthen its anti-drug campaign, assuring the public of its dedication to a drug-free community.