DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) burned some P23.6 million worth of illegal drugs and expired medicines from Regions 11 and 12 at the Holcim Philippines Inc. Geo-cycle Plant in Barangay Ilang, Tibungco, Davao City Monday afternoon.
PDEA regional director Antonio Rivera said the burning is part of the implementation of Republic Act 9165 or the The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This is to break the notion of the people that the seized illegal drugs are being recycled and sell again on the streets,” he said.
Rivera said the burned illegal drugs were the evidence on cases presented before the Regional Trial Courts that were already decided.
He said the burning also included expired medicines which were surrendered to their office from the pharmaceutical companies.
Of the total amount, Region 11 has P22. 9 million worth of illegal drugs burned.
These were 1,765.80 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride known as ‘shabu’ worth P21.1 million; marijuana with 18, 468. 70 grams worth P738,748; four pieces of ecstasy worth P18, 000; and, expired medicines worth P976, 986.
On the other hand, Region 12 has P761, 434 worth of illegal drugs and expired medicines were burned.
These were 58.4 grams of shabi worth P700, 800; marijuana with 0.2 grams worth P8.00; and, expired medicines worth P60, 626.
Rivera said the PDEA asked the Holcim management to use its facility to ensure that there will be no harm to the environment.
Holcim offered the use of the facility free of charge. (Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)
