The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized a staggering PHP486 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of nationwide operations conducted from June 13 to 20, the agency announced Monday.
The week-long anti-narcotics campaign led to 75 coordinated operations across multiple regions and resulted in the arrest of 82 drug suspects. Among these operations were 53 buy-busts, seven drug recoveries, six marijuana eradication raids, three search warrants, and two interdictions.
Massive shabu, marijuana, cocaine haul
PDEA operatives confiscated nearly 70 kilograms of shabu in crystalline, liquid, and liquified forms. Additionally, authorities destroyed over 20,000 marijuana plants and 4,000 seedlings, along with more than 2.4 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves. The crackdown also led to the seizure of more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and 135 ecstasy tablets.
The operations were focused in known drug hotspots, including Central Visayas, Calabarzon, Metro Manila, and the Cordillera region.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez praised the agency’s regional units for delivering on the Marcos administration’s directive to combat the drug menace head-on. He stated that the agency remains committed to dismantling drug syndicates operating in the Philippines.
Nerez emphasized that the campaign will continue aggressively until communities are free from illegal drugs, in line with the President’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
Floating cocaine discovered off Cagayan
As part of the week’s developments, a fisherman in Calayan, Cagayan, discovered a suspicious package on June 21 containing what appeared to be cocaine. The bundle was wrapped in duct and brown tape, labeled “Coca racing,” and was found along the shoreline of Sitio Casaluran in Barangay Dilam.
Authorities said the package, which was partially opened and revealed a white powdery substance, is estimated to be worth PHP5.3 million. The fisherman promptly reported the discovery to local officials, and the contents were turned over to PDEA for chemical analysis on Sunday.
The incident adds to a growing list of “floating drugs” discovered off the Philippine coastlines, raising concerns over maritime drug trafficking routes.
Nationwide vigilance continues
This latest enforcement push demonstrates the PDEA’s ongoing resolve to disrupt the illegal drug trade from both land-based networks and maritime routes. Officials reiterated their commitment to sustained, intelligence-led operations targeting high-value targets and distribution networks.
The PDEA encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious packages and activities, stating that community cooperation plays a key role in ensuring the success of their drug-clearing efforts.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.