Manila, Jan. 2 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized PHP8.8 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested eight most wanted persons in a series of operations to mark the new year.

In a statement, the PNP said the operations were conducted across multiple regions from 10 p.m. Thursday, New Year's Day, to 9 a.m. Friday.

Those arrested were wanted for serious crimes, including murder, syndicated estafa, and statutory rape. They were apprehended in coordinated operations by police units in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Metro Manila, and other areas.

"All arrested individuals are now in police custody and undergoing legal proceedings," the PNP said.

Authorities, meanwhile, destroyed 7,000 fully grown marijuana p...