Around P676.65 million worth of seized illegal drugs were destroyed in Cebu City, which the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said was the largest destruction in Central Visayas since 2017.
Through thermal decomposition or thermolysis the destroyed include 99,450.2745 grams of shabu, 2,539.577 grams of marijuana, 8.4 milliliters of nalbuphine hydrochloride, 18.1836 grams of ephedrine and other dangerous drugs.
The destroyed substances were from various anti-illegal drug operations by PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) across Central Visayas and Negros Oriental.
As practiced, the dangerous drugs are destroyed so that they can no longer be recycled in whatever way.
To uphold transparency and accountability, the destruction was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), a civil society organization, the media, and an elected public official, as required under Republic Act No. 9165 and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002.
Prior to the destruction, PDEA 7 chemists also performed a field test on the dangerous drugs to reinforce public confidence in the integrity of the destruction process.
“The activity also highlighted the role of the Regional Trial Courts in the expeditious disposition of drug cases and the contributions of the PNP and other law enforcement units in strengthening the government's anti-illegal drug campaign in the region,’’ the PDEA said.
PDEA Director-General Isagani Nerez stressed that “this significant activity is a clear message that these illegal substances will never find their way back into our streets.”
Likewise, Nerez commended the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) for their prompt action in solving drug cases, which enabled the timely destruction of the evidence and partner law enforcement agencies and communities for their unwavering support to the national anti-drug campaign.