The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed on Wednesday, July 8, around P1.9 billion worth of confiscated illegal drugs in Quezon City.
Through thermal decomposition, the seized illegal drugs, which include 335,668.1821 grams of solid dangerous drugs and 1,025.7000 milliliters of liquid dangerous drugs were torched at the Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory in Barangay Doña Imelda.
The confiscated illegal drugs consist of 279,671.7975 grams of shabu; 55,618.9291 grams of marijuana; 202.6755 grams of ecstasy) contained in 316 capsules; 77.5000 grams of diazepam; 97.2800 grams of pseudoephedrine; 933.0000 milliliters of liquid marijuana and 92.7000 milliliters of toluene.
PDEA explained that dangerous drugs seized by the various law enforcement agencies were ordered destroyed by the courts after serving as evidence in successfully prosecuted cases, where completely incinerated under strict security measures to ensure they could never be recovered.
PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez emphasized that destroying seized illegal drugs is as vital as confiscating them.
"Every gram of illegal drugs destroyed today represents lives protected, families spared from the devastating effects of drug abuse, and communities made safer. Once authorized by the courts, PDEA ensures that every confiscated drug is permanently destroyed," Nerez stressed.
He noted that the PDEA regularly conducts public destruction activities to prevent drug recycling and strengthen public trust.
“Our destruction process is conducted in full view of the courts, partner agencies, civil society, and the media because transparency builds public confidence. It reflects the Bagong Pilipinas vision of a government founded on integrity, accountability, and decisive public service,’’ he added.
Likewise, Nerez thanked the regional trial courts for the swift prosecution and timely issuance of destruction orders to ensure that these illegal drugs are permanently removed from circulation.
“This is an important safeguard that protects the integrity of our justice system and strengthens public confidence in government,” Nerez said.