Trece Martires City, Cavite — Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr. on Tuesday led the destruction of approximately ₱4.56 billion worth of confiscated illegal drugs, underscoring both the scale of the narcotics problem and its devastating impact on Filipino communities.
The destruction was carried out at the facility of Integrated Waste Management Inc., witnessed by Police Regional Office CALABARZON Director PBGen Hansel Marantan, officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and representatives from other law enforcement and oversight agencies.
Authorities reported that a total of 1,136.5 kilograms of illegal drugs and controlled substances were destroyed, including:
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu) – 555.2393 kg (₱3.77 billion)
Cocaine – 117.4860 kg (₱622.14 million)
Marijuana – 442.9399 kg (₱82.38 million)
Ephedrine – 15.8149 kg (₱75.91 million)
MDMA (Ecstasy) – 1.6651 kg (₱6.61 million)
Ketamine – 0.5070 kg (₱106,162)
Also destroyed were liquid forms and chemical components such as methamphetamine solution, marijuana extracts, amphetamine mixtures, and toluene, along with around 3,000 pieces of assorted expired drug evidence.
Dangerous Drugs Board Secretary Oscar Valenzuela, in his message, emphasized the far-reaching dangers of illegal substance use and the destruction it brings to individuals, families, communities, and the nation.
“At the heart of this fight, it is not just policy or function, it is our people,” Valenzuela said.
Officials noted that many of the destroyed substances had already been presented in court, adjudicated, and cleared for disposal by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Authorities stressed that the destruction of illegal drugs is not merely procedural—it is a critical safeguard to ensure these substances do not re-enter circulation and cause further harm.
Remulla emphasized that every kilogram destroyed translates to lives saved and crimes prevented, particularly in vulnerable communities where illegal drugs often fuel violence, theft, and family disintegration.
Illegal drugs, especially shabu, have long been linked to rising criminality, mental health deterioration, and economic instability. Families are often torn apart, with breadwinners losing livelihoods and children exposed to neglect and abuse.
For ARD Marantan, the fight against illegal drugs goes beyond enforcement. “I will never allow illegal drugs to thrive in CALABARZON. We have seen how it destroys lives and ruins families,” he said.
He stressed that dismantling drug networks requires collective action not only from law enforcement, but also from communities, local governments, and civil society.
“Dismantling illegal drug networks does not just involve police work. It involves the whole community, those who advocate for the future of our children and our country,” PBGEN Marantan added.
The large-scale destruction reflects the government’s continuing push for a balanced anti-drug strategy, combining enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement.
Authorities reiterated that while billions worth of drugs have been removed from circulation, the broader challenge remains: breaking the cycle of addiction, criminality, and social harm that continues to afflict Filipino communities.(RPIO4A)
