Billions in shabu seized! president marcos inspects massive drug haul off ph coast

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally inspected a massive drug confiscation at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) National Headquarters in Diliman, Quezon City, as part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat illegal drugs nationwide.

During his visit, the President examined a significant haul of illegal substances, including methamphetamine hydrochloride—commonly known as shabu—discovered by local fishermen off the coast of Luzon. The confiscation also included assorted dangerous drugs seized from various anti-drug operations conducted across different regions.

A total of 1,304.604 kilograms of shabu, with an estimated street value of PhP8.8 billion, are scheduled for destruction through thermal decomposition. These drugs were recovered from waters off the provinces of Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan. Alongside this, 226.043 kilograms of assorted dangerous drugs worth approximately PhP609 million—seized during separate operations—are also slated for destruction under court orders.

PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez confirmed that the confiscated substances would be destroyed within 24 hours at a designated location, which will be announced later, following the completion of the inspection process.

This inspection comes after President Marcos Jr. issued directives to heighten security measures along coastlines and maritime routes, aiming to prevent future drug smuggling attempts. The President emphasized the government’s renewed commitment to eradicating illegal drugs and safeguarding public safety.

The government’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking underscores its resolve to dismantle illegal drug networks and protect the Filipino people from the harmful effects of illegal substances.