VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Ilocos Region led the destruction of ₱642,732,020 million worth of illegal drugs at a crematorium in Don Lorenzo Querubin, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on July 9.
The destroyed illegal drugs originated from the recovery efforts of fishermen in Ilocos Sur from June 24 to July 6, and the seized drugs served as evidence in cases from various areas in the Ilocos Region that have been completed and resolved, PDEA-1 Regional Director Joel Plaza confirmed.
He said, “Our collaborative activity today is a testament to the public that we are ever more vigilant and that is an assurance to our communities that we will continue our investigation into these syndicates.”
Plaza said it aims to ensure the public that the ceased, confiscated, and surrendered drugs are never recycled or returned to the streets in compliance with the guidance on the custody and disposition of seized dangerous drugs under Section 21, Article II of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, series of 2002.
The total weight of the drugs was approximately 108,805.2407 grams, with “shabu” being the highest at 94,210.9493 grams, with a value of about ₱640.6 million.
Additionally, packs of marijuana weighing 14,594.2914 grams worth ₱1.7 million, and the 250ml liquid shabu worth ₱346,250 found floating in Agno, Pangasinan were also incinerated.
The destruction of dangerous drugs was conducted through thermal decomposition exposing them to temperatures of over 1,000 degrees centigrade.
This process breaks down all dangerous drugs making them impossible to reconstitute.
As of July 6, the PDEA reported a series of discoveries of a total of 94 packs of shabu floating in the seawaters of the municipalities of San Juan, Santa Maria, Magsingal, Caoayan, Cabugao, San Esteban, and Santa Cruz in the province, where the first reported sighting was in San Juan town on June 24.
In his message, Governor Jeremias Singson again expressed his gratitude to the fishermen who demonstrated remarkable courage and integrity by voluntarily surrendering packs of shabu they found in our territorial waters.
“The surrender of these dangerous substances is a crucial step in our relentless fight against illegal drugs. It sends a strong message that we, as a province, will not tolerate the presence of these harmful substances in our province. They cannot solve this issue [PDEA and PNP] alone, it requires a comprehensive strategy that includes prevention, education, and community engagement. Our provincial government is committed to working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to implement programs that address these various aspects,” said Singson.
He then reiterated the government’s call for the public’s shared responsibility in working together, remaining vigilant, and supporting one another in the ongoing battle to achieve a drug-free Ilocos Sur. (MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
