Cotabato City, PhilippinesโIn a decisive move against illegal drugs, government officials incinerated P331.2 million worth of shabu at a power-generating plant in Aurora on Wednesday, February 12.
Led by Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-9, the event marked the destruction of 48.6 kilos of shabu along with expired barbiturates and tranquilizers collected from drug stores across the region.
Support is Critical to Combat Illegal Drugs
The officials burned these illicit substances using an incinerator at Libertad Power and Energy Corporation, ensuring their total disposal.
The shabu, seized in recent anti-narcotics operations across Region 9, was destroyed in the presence of PDEA-9 officials, representatives from the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9), local executives, and government prosecutorsโa show of unity in the fight against illegal drugs.
During the event, Gadaoni-Tosoc commended PRO-9 and local officials for their unwavering support in PDEAโs campaign.
Such cooperation is critical in combating the drug trade, she said.
Expired, State-Regulated Medicines
Among those who witnessed the destruction was Zamboanga del Sur 1st District Representative Divina Grace Yu, along with provincial officials.
They also oversaw the disposal of expired, state-regulated medicines. The legitimate suppliers in Region-9 turned over these expired drugs to PDEA-9.
The incineration of P331.2 million worth of shabu in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, is significant. Here are some of the reasons:
1. Reinforces the Governmentโs War on Drugs
Destroying a large quantity of seized drugs sends a strong message that authorities remain committed to fighting illegal narcotics. Burning these illegal drugs prevented them from reaching communities again.
2. Prevents Re-Circulation of Confiscated Drugs
Completely incinerating the seized shabu ensures that these illegal substances cannot be stolen, leaked, or resold back into the streetsโa risk that has plagued some enforcement agencies in the past.
3. Demonstrates Transparency and Accountability
Publicly destroying illegal drugs in the presence of key officials, law enforcement, and prosecutors reinforces transparency and ensures that confiscated substances are properly handled. It addresses suspicions that these illegal drugs will disappear under suspicious circumstances.
4. Strengthens Multi-Sectoral Cooperation
The involvement of PDEA, the police, local executives, prosecutors, and lawmakers highlights a collaborative effort in drug enforcement. This coperation is crucial for sustained success in anti-narcotics operations.
5. Boosts Public Confidence in Law Enforcement
Such activities reassure the public that authorities are actively taking steps to remove dangerous drugs from circulation. It is strengthening trust in the governmentโs anti-drug campaign.
6. Sends a Warning to Drug Syndicates
A large-scale drug destruction serves as a deterrent to those involved in the illegal drug trade, signaling that their operations will not go unpunished.
The latest drug disposal underscores the governmentโs intensified efforts to crack down on illegal substances. It also maintains the integrity of the regionโs drug enforcement initiatives.
