MANILA — The street price of shabu has surged from P3,800 to P6,800 per gram since 2022, a sharp increase that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla attributed to dwindling supply as authorities intensify their crackdown on major drug trafficking networks.
Remulla said the price surge indicates that illegal drug syndicates are struggling to secure supplies amid tighter border controls and intensified interdiction operations.
“Ibig sabihin, ang supply ang mababa. Nahihirapan silang kumuha. We are winning the war on drugs. Drugs are 70% more expensive now than it was in 2022,” Remulla said.
He made the statement during the presentation of 200 kilograms of shabu worth approximately P1.36 billion seized at the Manila International Container Port on October 15.
The confiscated shipment reportedly originated from Laos.
Remulla said law enforcement agencies have intercepted more than 17 tons of illegal drugs since 2024 through intensified surveillance and security operations at maritime borders, airports and seaports.
Among the major interceptions was a P3.54-billion drug shipment stopped in Laos before reaching the Philippines. An alleged Filipino drug mule was reportedly linked to the shipment.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief maintained that the Marcos administration’s anti-drug campaign prioritizes dismantling trafficking networks and intercepting shipments rather than resorting to violence.
“Because we are doing the war on drugs properly. Hindi kami pumapatay. Hindi kami sumasaklaw ng buhay ng may buhay. Kinukuha namin ang proseso na tama from source to arrival to distribution,” he said.
Remulla also cited improvements in public safety, reporting a 24-percent decline in rape cases following stricter enforcement of local ordinances, including regulations against public drinking.
He attributed the reported reduction in crime to improved police operations, targeted community enforcement and tighter monitoring of criminal activities.
According to Remulla, these measures have strengthened public confidence in law enforcement and improved the public’s sense of security./PN
