PNP seizes PHP 20.7B worth of drugs, marks 101% increase

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Sunday that it seized drugs worth PHP 20.7 billion from January to December 15, marking a 101 percent increase compared to the previous year.

During this period, the PNP conducted 46,821 anti-drug operations leading to the arrest of 57,129 individuals and the confiscation of over 8 metric tons of illegal drugs, nearly 2 metric tons more than in 2023.

The seizures included methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, and kush, reflecting a comprehensive anti-illegal drug operation.

Among the units that seized the most narcotics were the Calabarzon Police Regional Office with PHP 9.9 billion and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group with PHP 2.4 billion.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil emphasized that the campaign's focus on high-value individuals while ensuring human rights and due process resulted in significant drug seizures, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of a humane, bloodless, and inclusive campaign.

However, according to Dahas PH, which monitors drug killings in the country, more than 850 drug-related deaths were recorded as of December 2024 under the Marcos administration.