PBBM’s anti-drug drive nets P30b

THE Marcos administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign has so far resulted in the seizure of 7.4 tons of banned substances worth some P30 billion.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Dangerous Drugs, revealed this at the start of the panel’s hearing on House Resolutions 1346 and 1351 authored by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Rep. Jefferson Khonghun, respectively, to investigate the drug hauling incidents in Mexico, Pampanga, and in Subic port.

Officials of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA), and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) attended the hearing.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt felicitations to the law enforcement agencies, the PDEA, NBI, PDEG, and the Bureau of Customs, for a very very fruitful campaign against illegal drugs under the administration of President Marcos,” Barbers said in his opening statement.

“All your hard work, diligence and perseverance are bearing positive accomplishments. May you continue your dedication to duty and may none of you be tempted to sell this country and our youth to this evil,” he added.

Barbers said “from July 1, 2022 – the first day in office of President Marcos Jr. – until today (October 9, 2023), the bloodless anti-drug campaign has hauled almost 4.4 tons of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and almost three tons of dried marijuana leaves.”

The drug haul, with a street value of P30 billion, is enough to fund the election campaign of drug lords, Barbers added.

“This amount can most definitely finance the elections and victory of drug lords in our political arena. Kahit po kampanya pang Presidente, kayang pondohan ng war chest na yan,” Barber explained. (Even a presidential campaign, that war chest can finance it)

“We are fortunate that there are still good law enforcement personnel secure the peace. Although there are a handful who stay from the straight and narrow, so long as we do not become complacent, they will not overcome,” Barberd said.

Of the 4.4 tons of drugs seized, a sizeable amount was just confiscated over the