Authorities intensified the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 destroyed an estimated ₱5.9 million worth of dangerous drugs and expired medicines in a controlled disposal operation in Zamboanga del Sur.
The destruction activity was conducted at Libertad Power and Energy Corporation, where confiscated evidence from concluded drug cases was safely incinerated to ensure it would no longer return to circulation.
According to PDEA officials, the items destroyed included approximately 852.59 grams of shabu, 28.8 grams of marijuana, and various expired medicines, all of which were seized in operations linked to cases already resolved by courts in Zamboanga del Sur and Tubod.
The operation was led by Regional Director Dir. III Bryan B. Babang, with Assistant Regional Director IA V Levi G. Valmoria, who emphasized that the destruction of confiscated drugs sends a strong message that illegal substances have no place in communities.
Authorities explained that the destruction process is a critical step in the judicial and law enforcement system, ensuring transparency and preventing the reuse, theft, or recycling of seized illegal drugs. These substances had previously been presented as evidence in court before receiving authorization for disposal.
Officials reiterated that every quantity of illegal drugs removed from circulation represents lives protected from the harmful effects of substance abuse and drug-related crime.
PDEA Regional Office 9 also reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations, strengthening coordination with law enforcement agencies, and continuing community efforts aimed at achieving a drug-free future across the region.