PDEA: Seized illegal drugs up by 32% in 2024

The value of seized illegal drugs in 2024 is 32% higher compared to the record in 2023, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday.

“A total of P21.43 billion worth of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals or CPECs were seized from January 1 to December 31, 2024,” the PDEA said in a statement.

“The P21.43 billion seizure is 32 percent higher than the recorded seizure of P16.24 billion in 2023,” it added.

Of the total value of seized illegal drugs, the PDEA said P5.52 billion came from its operations together with other law enforcement agencies. Around P2.75 billion came from the confiscations by the agency and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Also, P13.10 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized by the PNP alone.

Meanwhile, P60 million worth of seized illegal drugs came from the operations led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in collaboration with the PDEA and PNP.

Arrested suspects

A total of 51,264 drug personalities have been arrested in 38,545 operations conducted in 2024, according to the PDEA.

Out of the total anti-drug operations, 1,455 were led by the PDEA with the support of other law enforcement agencies, which led to the arrest of 2,881 drug personalities. Also, 1,857 operations jointly done by PDEA and the PNP resulted in the arrest of 1,890 suspects.

In 5,201 operations of the PNP, a total of 46,450 suspects were arrested.

Meanwhile, the NBI with other law enforcement agencies conducted 32 operations and arrested 43 suspects.

“These substantial seizures are a testament to the government’s efforts to actively pursue high-level drug traffickers and organized criminal networks involved in the country’s illegal drug trade,” the PDEA said.

“The enhanced inter-agency coordination and collaboration among concerned law enforcement agencies also remains a key factor in reducing illegal drugs in the streets,” it added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News