The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a major operation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, destroying dangerous drugs valued at P4,563,517,903.02. This significant event took place at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. facility in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City, Cavite, highlighting the government's unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in its anti-drug campaign.
Witnessed by Key Officials and Agencies
The destruction was overseen by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, along with representatives from the Department of Justice, various law enforcement agencies, non-government organizations, media outlets, and local officials. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort to combat illegal drugs and ensure public trust in the process.
Substances Destroyed Through Thermal Decomposition
Authorities disposed of a total of 1,136.55 kilograms of solid illegal drugs and 657.13 milliliters of liquid substances using thermal decomposition, or thermolysis. This method ensures the complete and irreversible destruction of the confiscated materials.
The drugs incinerated included:
- 555.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu
- 442.94 kilograms of marijuana
- 117.39 kilograms of cocaine
- 15.81 kilograms of ephedrine
- 1.67 kilograms of MDMA, also referred to as ecstasy
- 0.51 kilogram of ketamine
Additionally, liquid drugs and substances such as amphetamine, liquid meth, marijuana extracts, toluene, and expired medicines were included in the disposal.
Sources of the Confiscated Drugs
PDEA reported that the drugs originated from various anti-drug operations conducted in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, as well as from court-ordered disposals after cases were resolved and evidence was no longer required. Notably, this batch included over 43 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, known as kush, and more than 102 kilograms of cocaine recovered from coastal areas in Palawan between late 2025 and early 2026.
Strict Security and Swift Destruction
The confiscated drugs were incinerated under stringent security protocols and are expected to be completely destroyed beyond recovery within 24 hours. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez emphasized the agency's close collaboration with coastal communities to prevent maritime drug smuggling, acknowledging their crucial role in turning over recovered illegal substances.
Nerez stated, "PDEA is relentless not only in seizing these substances but also in ensuring that once they are taken off the streets, they are permanently destroyed." He added, "Our processes are deliberately open and closely monitored because the Filipino people deserve nothing less than full transparency. This is in line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where integrity, accountability, and decisive action define governance."
Commendations and Nationwide Efforts
PDEA also praised regional trial courts for the expedited resolution of drug cases, which facilitated the timely disposal of evidence. The agency extended its gratitude to partner agencies and communities for their support in the anti-drug campaign. Similar destruction activities are ongoing across the nation, with PDEA regional offices conducting regular disposal operations in their respective areas to maintain momentum in the fight against illegal drugs.
