Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has successfully seized PHP176.4 million worth of illegal drugs from April 25 to May 2 as part of its relentless anti-drug operations across the nation. This significant haul resulted from 62 operations leading to the arrest of 101 high-level syndicated pushers and traffickers, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts against the major players in the drug trade.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations led to the confiscation of 12,381.51 grams of shabu, 260 pieces of ecstasy tablets, 72,178 grams of marijuana kush, 14,007.94 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 17,950 grams of dried marijuana stalks, and 6,575 pieces of marijuana plants. The anti-drug activities were concentrated in key regions including the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Visayas, Caraga Region, Soccsksargen, and Cordillera Administrative Region.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez praised the drug law enforcers for their efforts in capturing notorious drug personalities, resulting in significant progress against the country’s illegal drug trade. He noted the continuous recording of notable accomplishments, attributing these successes to strengthened partnerships and collaboration among the nation’s drug law enforcement agencies.

In addition to the seizures, the PDEA awarded cash rewards amounting to over PHP7 million to 16 informants through its Operation: Private Eye (OPE) program. These informants, identified only by codenames, provided critical information that led to successful operations, drug confiscations, and arrests of drug personalities. Nerez highlighted the importance of public participation in the national anti-drug campaign, encouraging citizens to report illegal drug activities via the OPE Hotline.

Nerez emphasized the crucial role of private citizens in the campaign, stating that their willingness to report illegal drug activities despite personal risks indicates public trust and confidence in PDEA. The ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign, a flagship program of the Marcos administration, promotes participatory governance by actively involving the public in the fight against the drug menace, aiming to foster a genuine sense of ownership in the nation’s efforts.

He concluded by asserting the power of collective action, noting that increased public engagement in the anti-drug fight enhances the potential for greater success.