In a recent operation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 10 successfully disposed of illegal substances worth millions of pesos. PDEA-Region 10 Director Emerson Margate revealed that the confiscated items included P17,231,572.65 worth of shabu (methamphetamine), P617,555.34 worth of marijuana, and P569,745 worth of expired medicines.
Margate emphasized that these illicit drugs, collected through various anti-drug operations since September of the previous year, were completely destroyed. To ensure the prevention of recycling or theft, only Margate, the regional chemist, and the evidence custodian possessed the keys to the storage facility where the illegal drugs were kept.
Margate further stressed the strict security measures in place, emphasizing that their signatures were required before any retrieval could take place. This stringent approach ensured the integrity of the process and prevented any doubts regarding the disposal of the drugs.
Police Brigadier General Lawrence Coop, the Chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10, expressed satisfaction with the initiative, stating that the destruction of illegal drugs serves to dispel the misconception that recycling occurs. Coop acknowledged that law enforcement agencies often face discrediting accusations when it comes to drug-related achievements. He commended the PDEA for organizing such activities, which helped restore public trust.
The disposal operation was conducted under the leadership of Margate and Coop, with representatives from the Department of Justice, the Public Attorney’s Office, the city government of Cagayan de Oro, and Barangay 15 in attendance as witnesses. This collaborative effort aimed to send a strong message to the public that no recycling of confiscated drugs had taken place, promoting transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal substances.