Anti-narcotics agency leads destruction of drug evidence

PALO, Leyte – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led in the destruction of pieces of drug evidence during its 10th anniversary, with the theme “A decade of safeguarding the nation through effective drug enforcement.”

The celebration held at PDEA-Eastern Visayas grounds in Barangay Candahug, Palo, Leyte, on July 23, started with a physical inventory of drug evidence no longer necessary in court, expired or confiscated, seized or surrendered.

The inventory was led by Ma. Bella Castillo, representative of the Department of Justice.

The actual burning started after the thanksgiving Mass and a short program.

Examples of pieces of drug evidence were ergotamine tartrate, diazepam, phenobarbital, methylergometrine malate, pethidine hydrochloride, nalbuphine, xanor, clozepate, liquid gels of paracetamol, shabu, and marijuana.

Also present in the gathering were representatives from PDEA, Public Attorney’s Office, Dangerous Drug Regulation Office, elected officials, civil society, Philippine National Police, and some media who served as witnesses from physical inventory to the actual burning of pieces of drug evidence. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)