PDEA destroys P132.5-M worth of drugs seized in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY — More than P132.5 million worth of illegal drugs and expired medicines confiscated in anti-drug operations across Eastern Visayas were destroyed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA-8) on Thursday, June 18, underscoring the government’s continuing efforts to prevent the re-circulation of seized contraband and strengthen the integrity of drug-related prosecutions.

The destruction activity was conducted at Havens Gateway Chapel in Palo, Leyte, in compliance with Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and the implementing regulations of the Dangerous Drugs Board.

READ: PDEA seizes P1.95B worth of illegal drugs in May 2026

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PDEA-8 Regional Director Levi Ortiz and Assistant Regional Director Ma. Rhea Caminong supervised the disposal of drug evidence seized from various anti-illegal drug operations and cases handled in the region.

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Destroyed during the activity were 19,474.9107 grams of meth, locally known as shabu, with an estimated street value of P132.43 million. Also disposed of were 55.1778 grams of marijuana valued at P746.86, along with expired medicines consisting of 269 ampoules, 10 vials and 380 tablets worth P93,840.50.

In total, authorities destroyed 19,530.0885 grams of dangerous drugs and expired medicines with a combined value of P132,529,854.60.

Representatives from the Department of Justice, local government units, media organizations, civil society groups and other stakeholders witnessed the destruction process to ensure transparency and compliance with legal requirements.

PDEA-8 said the activity forms part of the government’s sustained anti-illegal drug campaign and is aimed at preventing seized narcotics from being diverted back into circulation.

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Under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, confiscated illegal drugs that have completed the required inventory and court procedures must be destroyed in the presence of authorized witnesses.

The process is intended to guarantee accountability, preserve the integrity of evidence, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement efforts against illegal drugs.

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The regular destruction of seized narcotics is considered a crucial component of the country’s anti-drug strategy, ensuring that illegal substances are permanently removed from circulation while supporting the successful prosecution of drug-related cases. /jpv

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