Massive Illegal Drugs Destruction in Cebu City
CEBU CITY — Authorities burned more than P500 million worth of illegal drugs in a significant destruction ceremony held last June 5. The event, led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas (PDEA-7) and the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7), took place at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, using its thermal facility for the disposal.
The destruction included illegal drugs valued at P560,402,548, comprising 82.34 kilograms of shabu, 3.4 kilograms of marijuana, 15.7 milliliters of nalbuphine hydrochloride, and 16 milliliters of ephedrine. This marks the largest amount of seized illegal drugs destroyed since 2017, reflecting the intensified campaign against narcotics in the region.
Strong Cooperation and Swift Court Actions
PDEA-7 Director Alex Tablate highlighted that this substantial value is a testament to the continuous efforts of both PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in fighting illegal drugs. “Based on the seizure that we made in recent months, it would mean that the PDEA and the PNP continue to do their jobs,” Tablate said.
He also praised the quick cooperation of courts in Central Visayas, which promptly issued permits allowing the destruction of the confiscated substances. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies has been vital in sustaining the momentum of the anti-drug campaign.
Impact on Community Safety and Law Enforcement
Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan of PRO-7 emphasized the potential harm averted by removing such a large quantity of illegal drugs from circulation. “It has a big impact. This is half a billion worth of illegal drugs. You could imagine the danger it can cause if they were able to make it to the streets. This has a big impact on peace and order,” Maranan remarked.
He reassured the public that the campaign will persist relentlessly. More arrests targeting street-level drug pushers are expected in the coming days as law enforcement agencies push to protect communities from the dangers of narcotics.
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