P20.7-B DRUGS SEIZED BY PNP IN 2024
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil yesterday said they seized an astounding P20.7 billion worth of illegal drugs from January 1 to December 15 this year amid their recalibrated and “bloodless” anti-narcotics campaign nationwide.
The top cop said the record drug haul also translated to a staggering 101 percent increase in drug seizures compared to the figures in 2023.
Owing to the focused and strategic implementation of the drugs campaign, Gen. Marbil said 46,821 anti-drug operations were conducted by various PNP units nationwide, leading to the arrest of 57,129 individuals.
The PNP anti-drug campaign since the start of the Marcos Jr. administration which has put emphasis on high-value individuals while ensuring the protection of human rights and due process resulted in the confiscation of over eight metric tons of illegal drugs or nearly two metric tons more compared to 2023.
Majority of the recovered illegal drugs were shabu and marijuana while others were the designer drug called “ecstasy,” cocaine, Ketamine and the high-breed cannabis derivative called kush. reflecting the diverse range of narcotics targeted by the PNP’s comprehensive anti-illegal drugs operation.
“This extraordinary achievement is a testament to our focused operations against high-value individuals in the illegal drug trade. Our commitment to a calibrated anti-drug campaign, which puts a premium on human rights, has proven that we can dismantle drug syndicates without unnecessary loss of life,” said the PNP chief.
Among the regions, the Police Regional Office 4A in Calabarzon region headed by Brigadier Gen. Kenneth Paul T. Lucas recorded the highest haul with P9.9 billion worth of seized drugs, followed by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) led by Brig. Gen. Eleazar P. Matta with P2.4 billion.
Gen. Marbil likewise highlighted the dedication and bravery of all PNP units involved in these operations.
“I commend our police officers who put their lives on the line to ensure that no illegal drugs make their way into our communities. Their sacrifices and dedication are instrumental in safeguarding our citizens and dismantling the structures of drug syndicates,” he stressed.
The PNP’s success reflects its renewed commitment to eradicating illegal drugs while adhering to legal and ethical standards, proving that decisive action can go hand-in-hand with respect for human rights, Gen. Marbil also said.
“This accomplishment is not just a victory for the PNP but for the Filipino people who deserve safer and drug-free communities. Let this achievement inspire us to continue working together in our fight against illegal drugs,” Gen. Marbil said as he vowed to sustain their momentum as they enhance their strategies to combat illegal drugs to ensure a safer and more secure Philippines for all.
