PNP: P39.8 billion drugs seized under Marcos administration

MANILA, Philippines — Illegal drugs valued at P39.8 billion have been confiscated by various units of the Philippine National Police under the administration of President Marcos, the PNP reported yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the illegal drugs were seized in 109,694 anti-narcotics operations from July 1, 2022 to Oct. 7, 2024.

“I commend all our officers for their steadfast efforts and tireless commitment to this achievement,” Marbil said in a statement.

At least 5,205.88 kilos of shabu valued at P35.42 billion were seized. The remaining P4.46 billion consist of marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy tablets and ketamine.

During the same period, up to 137,190 drug suspects were arrested across the country.

Marcos has deviated from the bloody war on drugs conducted by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

Under Marcos, the PNP has instead focused on high-impact operations to curb drug trafficking.

The PNP has embarked on a campaign targeting high-value suspects and identifying their sources of drugs while putting emphasis on preservation of life.

In the past six months of Marbil’s tenure, the PNP confiscated illegal drugs worth P17.2 billion and arrested 30,888 people in 25,312 stings.

The PNP Drug Enforcement Group led the campaign with P13.77 billon worth of illegal drugs seized over the two-year period, followed by the Calabarzon police with P10.39 billion and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police, P5.82 billion.

Marbil said police officers should always observe the rule of law in carrying out anti-narcotics operations.

“As we continue to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, we remain firmly dedicated to preserving life,” he said.