Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced the seizure of PHP136.18 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 76 suspects during operations conducted from January 2 to 9.

According to Philippine News Agency, Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the successful arrests and seizures were the result of 53 anti-illegal drug operations carried out by the agency during this period. The operations led to the confiscation of various illegal substances, including 18,522.31 grams of shabu, 4,483.66 grams of dried marijuana leaves and bricks, 4,068.00 grams of marijuana kush, 20,400 pieces of marijuana plants, 290 milliliters of cannabis oil, and 149 grams of marijuana oil.

Of the 76 individuals apprehended, 53 were identified as drug pushers, 13 as drug den visitors or clients, four as drug den owners or maintainers, one as a drug possessor, one as a drug den employee, and four as importers. Nerez emphasized that these operations underscore PDEA's ongoing and intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle illegal drug networks nationwide.

The arrested suspects are expected to face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated evidence will be subjected to forensic examination and presented in court.