MORE than P50 million worth of shabu and marijuana were confiscated by agents of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) last January 2025.

PNP-DEG Officer-in-Charge, Colonel Rolando B. Cuya Jr. reported to PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil that from January 1 to 31, their campaign against illegal drugs yielded remarkable results.

Those accomplishments were made amid the recalibrated ‘war on drugs’ by the police force which is now going after the real ‘big fishes’ in the illegal drug trade.

More facilities that will provide sustained medical and reformatory rehabilitation for substance-addicted individuals has been seen as a major factor that will eventually help drug users re-integrate into the society and become productive citizens anew, the PNP-DEG said.

Gen. Marbil characterized the drug problem as a complex issue, comparing it to the mythical Hydra, where cutting off one head causes more to grow in its place.

The recalibrated strategy will involve intensified intelligence operations and stronger community engagement to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks, the PNP chief said.

` The PNP chief underscored the importance of minimizing violence in this new approach.

“We aim to address the drug problem without resorting to bloodshed. By focusing on the real culprits and protecting the victims, we can make our communities safer while respecting human rights,” he said.

“With this approach, we are not only saving lives but also working toward a better future for our nation. We are committed to addressing the drug issue with compassion, strategy and adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

Col. Cuya said the past months saw his men conducting a total of 68 anti-illegal drug operations including 40 buy-bust operations, 3 service of search warrants for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, 2 marijuana eradication drives, 1 interdiction operation and the service of 22 warrants of arrest for violation of RA 9165.

Those operations resulted in the arrest of 87 known illegal drug personalities, Col. Cuya said.

According to the PNP-DEG head, they also seized 6,040.66 grams of shabu, 530 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 45,800 pieces of fully-grown marijuana plants, 150 pieces of marijuana seedlings, and 40 milliliters of marijuana oil during the period.

The recovered drugs were valued at P50,354,088, he said.

Amid their significant accomplishments last month, the PNP-DEG head reiterated their unwavering commitment to maintaining the momentum gained and intensifying efforts to eradicate the menace of illegal drugs.

“The successes achieved during this operation serve as a beacon of hope for a future free from the grip of illegal substances, inspiring renewed determination and unity in the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of teamwork, integrity, and perseverance in achieving such commendable results.

“This commendation serves as a testament to the exemplary service and sacrifice of the personnel in the fight against illegal drugs, reflecting their outstanding service to the nation and commitment to justice,” he said.

The PNP-DEG has joined the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency headed by Director General Isagani R. Nerez in launching an intensified campaign against shabu and marijuana production, smuggling and trafficking in the country since the year started leading to major arrests and seizures.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon