Manila: Authorities seized PHP156.72 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 84 suspects in anti-drug operations conducted from Jan. 16 to 23, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the arrests and seizures were the result of 71 operations carried out during the specified period. The confiscated drugs included 694.93 grams of suspected shabu, 8,194 grams of cocaine, 493,745 marijuana plants, 42,186.39 grams of dried marijuana leaves, and 118,630 grams of marijuana seedlings.

Among those apprehended were 39 individuals identified as drug pushers and 11 who were either owners or maintainers of drug dens, the PDEA reported. All suspects will face charges under Republic Act 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Meanwhile, the seized items are currently being held for forensic examination and future court proceedings.

Director General Nerez emphasized the agency's strategic approach, stating, "We are hitting them from all angles from the remote barangays where these dangerous plants are grown to the urban streets where they are sold." He further clarified that the operations are part of a continuous and calculated effort aimed at disrupting the entire drug chain.