THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday destructed of more than P88 million worth of dangerous drugs in Sultan Kudarat.
This was deemed the largest volume of illegal drugs disposal in the BARMM, according to PDEA regional director Gil Cesario Castro said.
“Today’s destruction of more than P88 million worth of illegal drugs sends a strong message to all drug syndicates and personalities. We will never allow these substances to destroy the future of our youth and communities in BARMM,” Castro said.
“PDEA-BARMM, together with our government and civil society partners, remains fully committed to a drug-free Bangsamoro,” he added.
The PDEA used Lamsan Inc.’s 5.5 megawatt power plant for the thermal decomposition of some 13,000 grams shabu and 4,399 grams of marijuana, as well as various dangerous drugs including expired medicine surrendered by pharmacies and hospitals in the region.
Prior to the incineration, screening tests were conducted on the drugs and the ashes to ensure their total decomposition.
Along with the Philippine National Police-Forensics, the PDEA laboratory personnel facilitated the destruction procedure in the presence of the representatives from the judiciary, the Department of Justice, the Public Attorney’s Office, media outlets, a civil society organization, and local officials as witnesses in compliance with the Dangerous Drugs Law.
