THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-10) destroyed nearly P14 million worth of methamphetamine, marijuana, and expired medicines on May 21 at Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes.
Among the items destroyed were approximately 1,523.59 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and 209.71 grams of marijuana.
The items were seized through joint operations conducted by PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) across Northern Mindanao.
Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of Police Regional Office 10, said the destruction serves as motivation for law enforcers to intensify their campaign against illegal drugs.
“Lahat ng pamamaraan nila, seller at user, nakikita natin. Naa-anticipate natin, at doon natin sila nahuhuli,” De Guzman said.
PDEA-10 Director Atty. Benjamin Gaspi assured that criminal charges will be pursued against all suspects, regardless of their status in the drug trade.
“Sinisiguro naming isampa ang kaso, mino-monitor, laging nagkakandakta ng hearing ang aming mga abogado,” Gaspi said.
He also noted that since his assignment to Northern Mindanao, the agency has not detected the presence of “big-time” drug lords operating from the national level.
As of April 2025, 18 barangays in the region have been declared drug-cleared, according to PDEA.
Among the destroyed substances were marijuana oil confiscated in Misamis Occidental and fentanyl, which pharmacies are mandated to surrender once expired.
Ramier Batbatan of the Department of Justice said the destruction is a critical step in ensuring harmful substances do not reach communities.
“We are consistent in executing drug-related cases,” Batbatan said.
