Philippines arrests over 57,000 in anti-drug operations in 2024

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MANILA (XINHUA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday said it has arrested 57,129 people and seized illicit drugs worth about USD352million on the black market during its anti-drug operations conducted from January 1 to December 15 this year.
PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said in a statement that 46,821 anti-drug operations were conducted by various PNP units nationwide.

Marbil said the seized illegal drugs included methamphetamine hydrochloride (locally known as shabu), marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, and kush, “reflecting the diverse range of narcotics targeted by the PNP’s comprehensive anti-illegal drugs operation”.

The PNP’s anti-drug campaign “has proven that we can dismantle drug syndicates without unnecessary loss of life”, Marbil said.

File photo shows Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos inspect seized methamphetamine drugs in Batangas province, the Philippines. PHOTO: AFP