Marcos inspects massive drug seizure, vows continued anti-drug campaign

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored his administration’s commitment to combating illegal drugs with a personal inspection of a massive drug haul at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) National Headquarters in Quezon City on June 24, 2025.

The President personally examined the confiscated narcotics, a significant portion of which consisted of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) recovered by local fishermen off the coast of Luzon. This seizure, along with assorted dangerous drugs confiscated in various anti-drug operations, highlighted the ongoing challenge of drug smuggling in the country.

The inspection focused on 1,304.604 kilograms of shabu with an estimated street value of PhP8.8 billion, destined for destruction via thermal decomposition.

These drugs were remarkably discovered floating in the waters of several northern Luzon provinces: Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan.

In addition to the shabu, another 226.043 kilograms of assorted dangerous drugs, valued at approximately P609 million, seized in separate operations, are also slated for destruction under court order. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez confirmed the contraband’s imminent destruction within 24 hours at a yet-to-be-disclosed location, following the President’s inspection.

President Marcos’s visit underscored his recent directive to law enforcement agencies to strengthen security and surveillance along coastlines and maritime routes to deter future drug smuggling attempts.

The sheer scale of the seized drugs emphasizes the persistent threat of illegal narcotics trafficking and the administration’s determination to counter this challenge effectively. The President’s personal involvement in the inspection signals a clear commitment to the ongoing anti-drug campaign and a strong message to those involved in the illegal drug trade.