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ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 8 Jan) – Government authorities burned Wednesday afternoon P1.8-million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride (more popularly known as shabu) in full view of the public in Pagadian City Wednesday.
Joseph Ladip, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director, and Gov. Antonio Cerilles led the burning of the shabu held in front of the Hall of Justice.
Ladip said the shabu was part of the 541 grams shipment intercepted at a cargo courier firm in Pagadian last October.
After proper documentation, Ladip said they set aside 55 grams as evidence in the case filed in court against the suspected drug pusher, who is presently detained and undergoing trial.
He said destruction of the shabu was witnessed by several government officials that include representatives from the Department of Justice, Regional Trial Court, church and civil society organizations and members of the media.
Ladip said that Cerilles has encouraged the residents of Pagadian to assist the authorities in the campaign against prohibited drugs since it is everybody’s concern.
He noted that Cerilles has declared war against the proliferation of prohibited drugs in Zamboanga del Sur after the latter was elected governor.
The provincial government has activated a task force to run after groups behind the proliferation of prohibited drugs in that province.