The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) incinerated P642.3 million worth of drugs at a crematorium in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur.

The drugs included the blocks of shabu that were found floating off Ilocos over a two-week period starting June 24.

The destruction of the illegal drugs was led by the PDEA and witnessed by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), provincial government officials, employees, and the media. 

The drugs were placed in the crematorium.

"This is to ensure the public that these seized, confiscated, and surrendered drugs are never recycled or returned to the streets," Joel Plaza, PDEA Regional Director for Region 1, said.

Alongside the 9,210 grams of shabu, authorities also incinerated 14,594 grams of marijuana seized from various PNP operations.

According to PDEA records, the total value of the drugs burned amounted to P642,385,770.208.

Governor Jeremias Singson of Ilocos Sur praised the fishermen who surrendered the drugs and urged similar cooperation from residents.

"Kung anong ginawa ng mga mangingisda na nag-surrender ng mga droga, ito rin ang hiling natin sa [mga residente sa] loob ng lalawigan para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga anak," Singson said.

The local government unit expressed strong support for strict vigilance against illegal drugs, particularly in the coastal areas of Ilocos Sur.