MANILA, Philippines — Nearly ₱50 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and marijuana were seized or destroyed by Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives in separate anti-drug operations conducted in Iloilo, Lanao del Sur, and Kalinga, authorities said.
The combined value of the confiscated and destroyed drug-related items was placed at approximately ₱49.7 million, according to the PNP. The operations involved suspected shabu and large-scale marijuana cultivation.
Iloilo operation yields more than ₱1 million worth of suspected shabu
In Iloilo City, police arrested two individuals during an anti-drug operation conducted early Thursday.
Authorities recovered approximately 160 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱1.088 million, according to the PNP account of the operation.
The Iloilo seizure forms part of the PNP’s broader campaign against the distribution of illegal drugs in Western Visayas.
Armed encounter reported in Lanao del Sur
In Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, an anti-drug operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu, valued at around ₱2.04 million.
Police also recovered a firearm and other pieces of evidence during the operation.
Authorities said an armed confrontation occurred during the operation, resulting in the death of one suspect, while another suspect managed to escape.
Kalinga operations account for bulk of seized drug value
The largest portion of the reported drug haul came from Tinglayan, Kalinga, where police conducted marijuana eradication operations.
Authorities reported destroying approximately 156,000 fully grown marijuana plants and 100,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves, with an estimated value of ₱43.2 million.
A separate eradication operation in the same municipality resulted in the uprooting and destruction of another 17,000 marijuana plants, estimated to have a street value of ₱3.4 million.
PNP vows to continue anti-drug operations
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force would continue operations aimed at stopping illegal drugs from reaching communities and targeting their sources.
The latest operations highlight the continuing nationwide focus on both street-level drug enforcement and the disruption of drug supply sources, including marijuana cultivation areas.
The PNP’s reported ₱49.7-million haul comes from separate operations, rather than a single raid. The reported figures also include marijuana plants and dried marijuana leaves that were destroyed during eradication operations.
Leave a Reply