In a significant escalation of its fight against illegal drugs, the Philippine government reported the seizure of narcotics valued at PHP21.43 billion in 2024. This marks a 32% increase from the PHP16.24 billion seized in the previous year, showcasing the effectiveness of the Marcos administration’s intensified anti-narcotics strategy.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) highlighted that the bulk of the confiscated drugs included 2.55 tons of shabu, 32.74 kg of cocaine, 66,540 ecstasy tablets, 939.73 kg of kush, and 3.09 tons of dried marijuana. The operations leading to these seizures were a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine Ports Authority, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
The PDEA, in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP), was responsible for seizing drugs worth PHP5.52 billion. The PNP independently seized drugs valued at PHP13.10 billion, while the National Bureau of Investigation, working with PDEA and PNP, accounted for PHP60 million in drug seizures.
Throughout 2024, a total of 38,545 anti-drug operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 51,264 individuals involved in drug-related activities. These operations underscore the government’s commitment to dismantling high-level drug trafficking networks and organized crime.
In addition to drug seizures, the PDEA reported the forfeiture of PHP518.4 million in assets linked to illegal drug activities from 2022 to the present. This includes PHP4.03 million in land, vehicles, and firearms, with the remainder, amounting to PHP514.4 million, being frozen or preserved. These assets were part of 28 money laundering cases referred to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and 41 cases filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The PDEA’s establishment of Deputized Anti-Money Laundering Council Financial Investigators has significantly enhanced the government’s ability to investigate and prosecute money laundering related to drug trafficking. This initiative is part of the Philippines’ broader effort to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and exit its grey list.
The PDEA, along with the AMLC, DOJ, and other partners, remains committed to tracing and disrupting the financial networks supporting the illegal drug trade, ensuring that the proceeds from these activities are seized and the perpetrators brought to justice.