Davao City Police Reports Seizure of P29 Million in Illegal Drugs in 2023

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has successfully confiscated illegal drugs valued at approximately PHP29 million in 2023, as detailed in their latest assessment report released on Friday. This substantial seizure highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, a series of 1,372 anti-illegal drug operations conducted throughout 2023 led to the seizure of 3.765 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine) and 35.315 kilograms of marijuana. The seized shabu and marijuana have street market values of PHP25.6 million and PHP4.2 million, respectively. The amount of shabu confiscated marks a significant increase from the 2.7 kilograms, worth PHP18.3 million, seized in 2022.

DCPO’s efforts also resulted in 1,627 arrests on drug charges and the filing of 2,064 cases. Alongside these drug-related operations, the police unit also made substantial progress in curbing illegal firearms. In 2023, the DCPO seized 302 illegal firearms from 137 individuals, emphasizing their comprehensive approach to law enforcement.

In an interview, DCPO spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon stated that the city police would continue to implement various security plans aimed at reducing illegal drug activities and controlling the proliferation of loose firearms. She affirmed the continued commitment to campaigns such as Oplan RAT (robbery, ‘akyat-bahay,’ theft) and Tugis, focusing on illegal drugs and loose firearms.

This report underscores the DCPO’s proactive stance in addressing issues of drug trafficking and illegal firearms in Davao City, reflecting their dedication to maintaining safety and law enforcement in the area.