In a massive blow to the illegal drug trade, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has incinerated a staggering P11 billion worth of prohibited substances in Zamboanga City, sending a powerful message to drug syndicates operating in Mindanao.
Historic Drug Destruction Operation
The monumental destruction event, conducted at the Zamboanga City Economic Zone, saw the complete elimination of 1,623 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and 2.4 kilograms of marijuana. This represents one of the single largest drug disposal operations in recent Philippine history.
PDEA Regional Director Adzhar Albani emphasized the significance of this operation, stating that the destroyed drugs had an estimated street value of P11,037,840,000—enough to have corrupted countless communities across Western Mindanao.
Legal Process and Environmental Safety
The destruction followed strict legal protocols, with the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 overseeing the process to ensure compliance with Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The thermal destruction method employed not only completely annihilated the illegal substances but also adhered to environmental safety standards.
Ongoing Battle Against Drugs
This massive drug disposal operation underscores the Philippine government's relentless campaign against illegal drugs. The successful elimination of these substances prevents their potential circulation and demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation.
The Zamboanga City operation serves as both a tactical victory and a symbolic statement—that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in protecting Filipino communities from the scourge of illegal drugs, particularly in southern Philippines where drug syndicates have been increasingly active.
