P143 million in drugs, expired medicines destroyed in Iloilo City

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 (PDEA-6) has destroyed dangerous drugs and expired medicines valued at P143 million, surpassing initial estimates of P130 million, in a ceremony at the Iloilo Thermal Decomposition Facility in Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao in iloilo City on April 30.

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, PDEA-6 public information officer, reported that this event marked the largest volume of illegal drugs destroyed in Western Visayas.

The incinerated substances included 21.005 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, valued at approximately P142.84 million; 241.9234 kilograms of marijuana worth P29,750.81; and 9.52 kilograms of cocaine valued at P47,600. Expired medicines worth P526,400 were also disposed of.

PDEA-6 Chief Melvin Estoque led the ceremony, attended by representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Public Attorney’s Office, the Golden Salakot Eagles Club, non-governmental organizations, media partners, and the ICAG Volunteer Fire Brigade.

“The oldest drug evidence dates back to 2012, with the latest from 2023,” Tanaleon said, noting that the previous destruction event in the region occurred in Bacolod City in December 2023.

The drugs and medicines were exterminated through a process called thermal destruction, a method that breaks down chemicals using heat, known also as thermolysis.

At temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius, all dangerous substances are completely decomposed.

This destruction aligns with the provisions of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1. Section 21 of RA 9165 specifies that PDEA is responsible for the custody and disposal of confiscated, seized, or surrendered dangerous drugs and related materials.

Tanaleon emphasized that PDEA-6 remains committed to eradicating the threat of dangerous drugs in Western Visayas through continued partnerships in the anti-illegal drugs campaign.