(Manila) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) significantly ramped up anti-drug and anti-smuggling efforts in 2025, conducting 55,843 operations nationwide throughout the year. These resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs valued at 25.3 billion pesos (approximately 1.75 billion ringgit) and the arrest of 67,223 suspects, showcasing the high-intensity results of law enforcement crackdowns.
At a press conference at police headquarters in Camp Crame on Monday, PNP acting Chief Natates announced that among the confiscated narcotics were 3.28 million grams of shabu, 10.79 million grams of dried marijuana leaves, 3.37 million marijuana products, 127,462 grams of Kush marijuana, 150,586 grams of cocaine, and 556 grams of ecstasy, with both the scale and achievements of these anti-drug efforts reaching significant new records.
On the anti-smuggling front, the PNP carried out 2,169 anti-smuggling operations throughout the year, arresting 2,216 individuals and confiscating smuggled and counterfeit goods valued at a total of 4.8 billion pesos. This included 4.3 billion pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes, 8 million pesos of petroleum products, 321 million pesos of agricultural products, and 167 million pesos of counterfeited and pirated items.
Natates added that 52% (1,098) of anti-smuggling operations were concentrated between August 26 and December 31, during which 976 suspects were apprehended and approximately 2.5 billion pesos worth of goods were seized, reflecting a significant acceleration of enforcement activities in the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, the PNP also made major breakthroughs in apprehending fugitives, arresting 84,567 wanted persons throughout the year, including 22,535 high-profile fugitives and 62,032 other wanted individuals, with enforcement efforts spanning the three main regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Regional performance data shows the National Capital Region Police Office remained at the top, with 15,278 fugitive arrests, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-led and intensive manhunt strategies in Metro Manila. Following closely were Region 4 (11,827 arrests) and Region 3 (Central Luzon) (9,245 arrests), both areas with dense populations and high mobility.
Other notable regions included Region 7 (Central Visayas) with 5,060 arrests, Region 11 (Davao) with 4,292, and Region 5 (Bicol) with 4,396. Additionally, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police Office recorded 820 arrests, reflecting improved inter-regional cooperation and enforcement reach. The newly established Negros Island Police District achieved 3,281 arrests in its first year, drawing much attention.
Natates emphasized that these enforcement results stemmed from closer coordination between the police and the courts, improvements in warrant validation mechanisms, and ongoing ground-level manhunt efforts. He said, "Every captured fugitive is a recovery for community safety. The police presence is not only seen in patrols but also in ensuring no one is above the law."
On the anti-smuggling front, the PNP carried out 2,169 anti-smuggling operations throughout the year, arresting 2,216 individuals and confiscating smuggled and counterfeit goods valued at a total of 4.8 billion pesos. This included 4.3 billion pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes, 8 million pesos of petroleum products, 321 million pesos of agricultural products, and 167 million pesos of counterfeited and pirated items.
Natates added that 52% (1,098) of anti-smuggling operations were concentrated between August 26 and December 31, during which 976 suspects were apprehended and approximately 2.5 billion pesos worth of goods were seized, reflecting a significant acceleration of enforcement activities in the second half of the year.
Meanwhile, the PNP also made major breakthroughs in apprehending fugitives, arresting 84,567 wanted persons throughout the year, including 22,535 high-profile fugitives and 62,032 other wanted individuals, with enforcement efforts spanning the three main regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Regional performance data shows the National Capital Region Police Office remained at the top, with 15,278 fugitive arrests, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-led and intensive manhunt strategies in Metro Manila. Following closely were Region 4 (11,827 arrests) and Region 3 (Central Luzon) (9,245 arrests), both areas with dense populations and high mobility.
Other notable regions included Region 7 (Central Visayas) with 5,060 arrests, Region 11 (Davao) with 4,292, and Region 5 (Bicol) with 4,396. Additionally, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police Office recorded 820 arrests, reflecting improved inter-regional cooperation and enforcement reach. The newly established Negros Island Police District achieved 3,281 arrests in its first year, drawing much attention.
Natates emphasized that these enforcement results stemmed from closer coordination between the police and the courts, improvements in warrant validation mechanisms, and ongoing ground-level manhunt efforts. He said, "Every captured fugitive is a recovery for community safety. The police presence is not only seen in patrols but also in ensuring no one is above the law."