PDEA Incinerates Over P600 Million Worth of Seized Drugs in Ilocos Sur
CAOAYAN, ILOCOS SUR — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has destroyed illegal drugs valued at approximately PHP642.38 million at Angels Crematorium in Don Lorenzo Querubin, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, following their discovery by local fisherfolk.
According to Philippines News Agency, the drugs were incinerated on Monday using thermal decomposition, a process that breaks down chemical compounds at extremely high temperatures, specifically 1,000 degrees Centigrade. This method ensures that all traces of the dangerous drugs are completely eliminated. The substances were initially discovered floating in the waters of Ilocos Sur by fisherfolk on three separate occasions in the last week of June 2024.
The drug destruction event was made public at the request of Ilocos Sur mayors to maintain transparency and was witnessed by government officials, representatives of the Department of Justice, and other stakeholders. PDEA-1 Administrative Division Chief, Atty. Marvin Tavares, highlighted that the swift destruction of these drugs was in compliance with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as a direct directive from PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio M. Lazo to prevent any possibility of theft or recycling of the confiscated substances.
Governor Jeremias Singson expressed his gratitude towards the PDEA for their prompt action and also praised the integrity of the 12 fishermen who surrendered the drugs. He emphasized the importance of such actions in sending a clear message against the tolerance of drug activities in the region.
In related news, the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) reported the confiscation of PHP556 million worth of shabu and marijuana during June 2024. Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang, Chief Information Officer of PRO-1, detailed that a significant portion of these drugs was surrendered by fisherfolk who found them between June 24 and June 29. This series of operations led to the arrest of 116 individuals, including several high-value targets involved in drug trafficking in northern provinces.
PRO-1 Director Brig. Gen. Lou Frias Evangelista commended the cooperative efforts of the local fisherfolk and encouraged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The PNP has also ramped up its Bantay-Dagat efforts and is working closely with local fisherfolk to prevent the coastline from becoming a conduit for illegal drug trafficking.