MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday destroyed a total of PHP563.46 million worth of illegal drugs in Clean Leaf International Corporation in Barangay Maysilo, Malabon.
Destroyed through thermal decomposition were 112,078.28 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, worth PHP560,391,400; 181.77 grams of cocaine worth PHP763,434; 340.64 grams of marijuana worth PHP34,064; 375.59 grams of ecstasy worth PHP2,271,713.71; 0.38 gram of ephedrine worth PHP15.20; 1,536.60 grams of nitrazepam; and 5,000 grams of expired medicines.
Thermal decomposition is the process by which various compounds are broken down into single units by the application of heat wherein reconstruction of the substances is impossible.
The destruction is in compliance with the requirements of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No.1 Series of 2002.
“The destruction of seized illegal drugs is in accordance with the provisions of the law and will eliminate any misconception that these items are being recycled and peddled back into the streets,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said.
Aquino lauded the efforts of the different branches of Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) of Antipolo, Dagupan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malolos, Bulacan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Parañaque, Pasig, and Quezon City as well as the Court of Appeals for the expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases that led to the prompt destruction of these illegal drugs no longer needed as evidence in court.
Key officials of PDEA and other law enforcement agencies, representatives from the Department of Justice, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), the Public Attorney’s Office, non-government organizations and media witnessed the destruction.
DDB Chairman Catalino Cuy served as guest of honor and speaker during the ceremony.
The destruction was the third since Aquino assumed as PDEA Director General on Sept. 12, 2017.
The first one is on Oct. 12, 2017 where a total of PHP10,671,263 of controlled precursors and essential chemicals and laboratory equipment was destroyed while the second was on Nov. 10, 2017 where a total of PHP6,001,826,947.80 worth of dangerous drugs was destroyed. (PNA)
