PDEA seizes over P59-M worth of illegal drugs in 8-day long nationwide operations

A total of P59.14 million worth of dangerous drugs were seized in the 45 anti-drug operations conducted by government anti-narcotics authorities from March 28 to April 4, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported on Friday, April 11.
The PDEA also noted that the intense anti-illegal drug operations led to the arrest of 53 alleged drug personalities.
In the said nationwide high-impact operations, the PDEA stated that 3,690.33 grams of shabu, 5,703 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 11.30 grams of high-grade marijuana (kush), and 136,000 marijuana plants were confiscated by law enforcement personnel.
“The large volume of seized marijuana plants points to a successful eradication operation, most likely conducted in identified cultivation areas," the PDEA pointed out.
The PDEA stressed that the presence of kush, a potent and more expensive cannabis variant, signals a growing trend in the local drug scene toward synthetic and premium-grade narcotics.
In line with the directives of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the PDEA said that its performance metrics "reflect a sustained and aggressive posture in the national anti-drug campaign."
With a high arrest-to-operation ratio, the PDEA noted that it "continues to demonstrate operational efficiency and a commitment to reducing the supply and availability of illegal drugs in communities."
The agency has also recommended the continued intensification of intelligence-driven operations aimed at high-value targets and organized drug groups.
In addition, the PDEA insisted that the enhanced collaboration with local enforcement units (LGUs) and community stakeholders is crucial, particularly in regions with detected large-scale drug cultivation.
The agency also emphasized the importance of monitoring evolving trends in the illegal drug trade, especially the infiltration of synthetic and premium variants, to effectively adapt enforcement strategies.