Anti-narcotics operatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) incinerated some PHP15-million worth of prohibited drugs in a private facility in Maguindanao on Friday to ensure they are not recycled or do not land in the wrong hands.
Director Juvenal Azurin of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – BARMM said the burning of seized illegal drugs and medicine, as well as marijuana, is a policy of PDEA.
“It also shows that confiscated illegal drugs are not recycled or brought back to the illegal market,” Azurin told reporters during a press briefing.
“People accuse us of recycling seized illegal drugs for money. That is baseless and we are hurt with these unfounded allegations,” he added.
The incinerated items included shabu, ecstasy pills, and dried marijuana items seized by the PDEA in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, as well as in the cities of Marawi and Cotabato since 2014.
Prohibited drugs packed in bottles and plastic containers were run over by a road roller.
Local officials and members of the judiciary were present to witness the destruction of the banned items.
Judge Kasan Abdulrakman of Regional Trial Court 12 (Soccsksargen), who was among the guests, told reporters that the judiciary fully supports the government’s drive against illegal drugs.
“Drugs destroy families and future generations. Who knows? Our families could become victims, too. So we support PDEA,” he said. (PNA)
