The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested 55 individuals and confiscated over P15 million worth of illegal drugs during a series of nationwide operations conducted over the past week.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez reported on Wednesday that the agency carried out 52 anti-illegal drug operations between Dec. 12 and 19. The intensified crackdown resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,078.90 grams of suspected shabu, 75,800 fully grown marijuana plants, and 12.50 grams of dried marijuana leaves.
The total street value of the confiscated substances is estimated at PHP 15.16 million.
“Each gram seized and each plant destroyed represents lives saved, families protected, and communities preserved,” Nerez said in a statement. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to a “drug-free Bagong Pilipinas” through relentless and uncompromising enforcement.
According to PDEA data, the 55 suspects include 38 alleged drug pushers, seven drug den visitors, three den owners or maintainers, five individuals in possession of illegal substances, and two drug den employees.
All suspects are facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The seized evidence has been turned over for forensic examination and will be used in the upcoming court proceedings.
PDEA also reiterated its call for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspected drug activities through its “Isumbong Mo Sa PDEA” hotlines at 0995
