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Advocates Philippines
PDEA Torches P5.3 Billion Worth Of Drugs In Cavite: 'No To Recycling, Yes To Transparency!'
Screengrab from PDEA Top Stories
In a fiery show of commitment to a drug-free Philippines, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) went full throttle today, May 20, 2025, by destroying over ₱5.32 billion worth of illegal drugs in Trece Martires City, Cavite. That’s right—billions of pesos worth of dangerous substances were literally turned to ash in a public destruction ceremony.
Held at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. (IWMI) in Barangay Aguado, the event was led by PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez, with Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Oscar F. Valenzuela as Guest of Honor. The ceremony was witnessed by a mix of government officials, law enforcement representatives from the PNP and other agencies, members of the DOJ and DILG, NGOs, and the media.
What exactly went up in smoke?
A total of 2,227.76 kilograms of solid drugs and 3,447.09 milliliters of liquid drugs were destroyed using a high-temperature thermal decomposition process—yes, that means no recovery, no recycling, and absolutely no second chances for these substances. The pile included:
• 738.2 kg of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride)
• 1,478.5 kg of marijuana
• 4.9 kg of ecstasy (MDMA)
• Cocaine, LSD, Ketamine, Toluene, Phenacetin, and other chemicals
• Liquid versions of cocaine, meth, and marijuana
• Even expired surrendered medicines made the list.
This was no ordinary burning. Among the contraband was 404.95 kg of shabu seized during a joint interdiction by PDEA, NBI, and BOC at the Port of Manila earlier this year on January 23.
A fiery debut for the new PDEA chief
Today’s destruction was the first under the watch of Director General Nerez, who took the helm of the agency just over three months ago. He emphasized the importance of holding public destruction events to reinforce public trust and dispel any suspicions that seized drugs are being reused or sold back into the streets.
“This process is done out in the open, in full view of the public, media, and stakeholders,” Nerez explained. “We want the Filipino people to see for themselves that we are serious about eradicating illegal drugs—not just in our words, but in our actions.”
He also took the opportunity to thank the various Regional Trial Courts for quickly resolving drug cases, which allowed these substances to be legally destroyed.
A message under “Bagong Pilipinas”
The destruction aligns with the values of transparency and accountability championed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” program. According to Nerez, “The public deserves nothing less than our utmost diligence and integrity.”
In a country where drug-related controversies have long haunted the justice system, today’s massive destruction of evidence sent a clear message: No turning back. No cover-ups. Just real action.
Let’s face it—billions worth of drugs going up in flames isn’t just a visual spectacle. It’s a loud and clear signal that the war on drugs, under a new leadership, is taking a more transparent and justice-driven turn.
Held at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. (IWMI) in Barangay Aguado, the event was led by PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez, with Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Oscar F. Valenzuela as Guest of Honor. The ceremony was witnessed by a mix of government officials, law enforcement representatives from the PNP and other agencies, members of the DOJ and DILG, NGOs, and the media.
What exactly went up in smoke?
A total of 2,227.76 kilograms of solid drugs and 3,447.09 milliliters of liquid drugs were destroyed using a high-temperature thermal decomposition process—yes, that means no recovery, no recycling, and absolutely no second chances for these substances. The pile included:
• 738.2 kg of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride)
• 1,478.5 kg of marijuana
• 4.9 kg of ecstasy (MDMA)
• Cocaine, LSD, Ketamine, Toluene, Phenacetin, and other chemicals
• Liquid versions of cocaine, meth, and marijuana
• Even expired surrendered medicines made the list.
This was no ordinary burning. Among the contraband was 404.95 kg of shabu seized during a joint interdiction by PDEA, NBI, and BOC at the Port of Manila earlier this year on January 23.
A fiery debut for the new PDEA chief
Today’s destruction was the first under the watch of Director General Nerez, who took the helm of the agency just over three months ago. He emphasized the importance of holding public destruction events to reinforce public trust and dispel any suspicions that seized drugs are being reused or sold back into the streets.
“This process is done out in the open, in full view of the public, media, and stakeholders,” Nerez explained. “We want the Filipino people to see for themselves that we are serious about eradicating illegal drugs—not just in our words, but in our actions.”
He also took the opportunity to thank the various Regional Trial Courts for quickly resolving drug cases, which allowed these substances to be legally destroyed.
A message under “Bagong Pilipinas”
The destruction aligns with the values of transparency and accountability championed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” program. According to Nerez, “The public deserves nothing less than our utmost diligence and integrity.”
In a country where drug-related controversies have long haunted the justice system, today’s massive destruction of evidence sent a clear message: No turning back. No cover-ups. Just real action.
Let’s face it—billions worth of drugs going up in flames isn’t just a visual spectacle. It’s a loud and clear signal that the war on drugs, under a new leadership, is taking a more transparent and justice-driven turn.
May 20, 2025
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