Philippine authorities are cracking down on the illegal drug trade with record-high amounts of shabu seized in buy-bust operations this January alone.
Shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, has once again taken center stage in the country’s anti-narcotics efforts. Several large-scale seizures have been carried out, with millions of pesos worth of the drug confiscated.
Major Operations in January
On January 23, PDEA agents seized 25 kilograms of shabu worth ₱175 million during a checkpoint at Pier 4 in Cebu City. The illegal drugs were discovered inside a sedan arriving from Masbate, thanks to a K9 unit that flagged the vehicle. Two suspects—a truck driver and his mother—were taken into custody. Both face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Just a day later, authorities scored another bust in Las Piñas City. This time, nearly two kilograms of shabu valued at ₱14 million were recovered. Two suspects were arrested. According to officials, the drugs originated from Pampanga and were meant to be distributed across Metro Manila and the Visayas. PDEA said the suspects were part of a network that deals in large volumes of shabu.
Prior to this, on January 15, two South African nationals were arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. They were caught smuggling 14 kilograms of shabu, valued at ₱97 million, through Terminal 3. Authorities said the suspects arrived on a flight from Johannesburg with a stopover in Dubai. During questioning, they revealed that they were supposed to deliver the drugs to a contact in Manila. Both now face drug trafficking charges.
Meanwhile, in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, two high-value targets were nabbed in a buy-bust operation on January 14. PDEA agents had been tracking them for weeks before making their move. The operation yielded 500 grams of shabu worth ₱3.4 million. The suspects were apprehended after they handed over the drugs to an undercover agent. Both are currently detained and awaiting legal proceedings.
Shabu’s Persistent Threat
Shabu has long been a problem in the Philippines. It first became widespread in the 1980s and 1990s, when international drug syndicates began targeting Southeast Asia. Over the years, the drug’s popularity surged due to its accessibility and addictive nature. Today, shabu remains one of the most commonly abused substances in the country.
The illegal drug trade has had devastating effects on communities, fueling crime and addiction. Despite numerous crackdowns, traffickers continue to find new ways to smuggle and distribute shabu, making it a constant challenge for authorities.
The Duterte Drug War
Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs made international headlines. Launched in 2016, the campaign targeted drug syndicates and resulted in thousands of arrests. While it dismantled several operations, the campaign faced widespread criticism for alleged abuses.
Still, Duterte’s administration emphasized the need for sustained enforcement, and large drug hauls like those seen this month became more frequent during his term. The scale of the problem, however, suggests that solutions go beyond arrests.
The Fight Continues
These January operations show that authorities remain active in the fight against shabu. PDEA has repeatedly stressed the importance of public cooperation. Tips from residents, they say, often lead to successful drug busts.
While each operation is a step forward, the illegal drug trade is complex. Syndicates adapt quickly, making enforcement a constant challenge. For now, authorities continue their work to keep shabu off the streets and protect communities from its harmful effects.
