Manila: Authorities confiscated PHP98 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 139 suspects in nationwide operations conducted from July 30 to Aug. 6, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez reported that 91 operations were carried out across the country during the period.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operations resulted in the arrest of 139 drug personalities, including 71 pushers, 30 drug den visitors/clients, 13 drug den maintainers/owners, 10 drug den employees, 12 drug possessors, and three drug users. All suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Seized during the operations were 7,953.03 grams of shabu; 0.05 grams of liquid shabu; 6.71 grams of marijuana dried leaves; 205,680 pieces of marijuana plants; 6,400 pieces of marijuana seedlings; and 1,000 ml of marijuana oil.

PDEA Director General Nerez emphasized the collaborative effort required in combating illegal drugs. 'The fight against illegal drugs remains a shared responsibility. Together with our partners and our communities, we will remain relentless in building safer, more secure, and drug-free communities toward a drug-free Bagong Pilipinas,' Nerez said in a statement.