President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the inspection of recently confiscated illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of more than ₱8.87 billion.
Among the items inspected were packs of suspected shabu recovered floating off various coastal areas in Luzon, including Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan. Some of the illegal drugs had already been ordered destroyed by the courts as evidence.
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a total of 1,304.604 kilograms of shabu—worth an estimated ₱8,871,307,200—are set for destruction through thermal decomposition.
PDEA said the drugs will be destroyed under a written order from the Director General, as no suspects were arrested and no criminal case was filed in connection with the seized narcotics.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III were present during the inspection.
In a recent episode of his BBM Podcast, Marcos acknowledged the ongoing drug problem in the country, stating, “The drug menace remains prevalent,” and emphasized the need for intensified efforts to combat it.
He also directed law enforcement agencies to pursue small-scale drug dealers while ensuring due process is strictly observed in all anti-drug operations.