Philippines to Destroy Record Drug Haul After Marcos Inspection

Picture courtesy of Inquirer

In a decisive move against illegal drugs, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate destruction of 1.3 metric tons of suspected crystal meth, locally known as shabu. The drugs, valued at an estimated P8.87 billion, were discovered floating off the western coast of Luzon and have become the largest drug seizure in the nation's history.

During an inspection at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City, President Marcos highlighted the significance of the seizure, noting the unprecedented scale in recent months. The drugs were found by local fishermen drifting near the coasts of Pangasinan, Zambales, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez confirmed the president's directive, emphasizing the urgency to destroy the meth. “The president has made it clear that the floating meth must be eliminated swiftly,” Nerez stated. The disposal process is set to begin within 24 hours, employing thermal decomposition after thorough examination and documentation.

Intriguingly, no arrests have been made, and no criminal cases have been initiated regarding the floating shabu. Nevertheless, the PDEA has followed protocol by completing an inventory of the drugs, conducting forensic tests, and securing necessary documentation.

Furthermore, the PDEA also plans to destroy an additional 226 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs, seized in various operations and valued at P609 million. This batch has already been sanctioned for destruction through court orders.

As the government intensifies its crackdown on illegal narcotics, these actions represent a significant step in President Marcos’s broader strategy to combat the drug trade in the Philippines.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-06-24