President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, June 24, said his administration’s intensified but bloodless anti-drug campaign has led to the seizure of ₱62 billion worth of shabu since June 2022.
Marcos Jr. highlighted the impact of the crackdown, saying it prevented widespread addiction and saved lives.
“At least masasabi natin dito sa ganitong kalaki na nahuli natin na dapat ipapasok sa Pilipinas na shabu, marami tayong nailigtas na mga kababayan natin. Kung lumabas ito, ang mangyayari ay marami na namang magiging adik, marami na namang mamamatay sa overdose, marami na namang masisira ang buhay,” said the President.
The President personally inspected over P8.87 billion worth of shabu—1,304 kilos—recently found floating in sealed packs by fishermen off the coasts of Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan. The haul, now stored at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters, is considered one of the country’s largest ever.
“So, ito lahat ang – which is the largest drug haul in the history of the Philippines so far for this last six-month period,” Marcos Jr. said in his remarks after the inspection at the PDEA Gymnasium where the “floating shabu” was temporarily stockpiled.
“In the last three years, we have been able to interdict 62 billion worth of methamphetamine na nahuli natin, which is the largest considering the time that we are putting it under the three years lamang,” he added.
He directed PDEA to ensure the prompt destruction of the confiscated drugs, in line with legal protocols. The shabu will be destroyed through thermal decomposition, along with 226 kilos of other illegal drugs worth around P609 million.
The Chief Executive also praised the role of ordinary citizens, particularly fishermen, in reporting the floating contraband.
He was joined at the inspection by top officials including DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez, PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.IMT
