PDEA-6 to incinerate over P130 million in seized drugs

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6 (PDEA6) plans to destroy approximately 20 kilos of confiscated drugs valued at over P130 million today, April 30, marking the largest drug destruction event in Western Visayas to date.

Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, PDEA-6 public information officer, announced that the Iloilo City Landfill in Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao, will host the destruction ceremony.

The haul includes various narcotics such as shabu, cocaine, and marijuana, representing seizures from multiple operations across the region.

The oldest drug evidence slated for destruction dates back to 2012, while the most recent confiscations occurred in 2023.

The disposal process, known as thermal destruction or thermolysis, involves the chemical breakdown of substances through intense heat, with a benchmark decomposition temperature set at 1,000 degrees centigrade to ensure complete disintegration of the drugs.

This measure adheres to the mandates of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Board Regulation No. 1, which outline the procedures for the custody and disposal of confiscated narcotics and paraphernalia.

The upcoming disposal exercise continues the region’s stringent compliance with national guidelines, following a similar event in Bacolod City in December 2023.