TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau held an anti-drug demonstration on Friday, where officials destroyed thousands of kilograms of drugs seized across Taiwan. 

The MJIB incinerated 2,008 kilograms of drugs seized during investigations stretching back to 2011 at the event, reported CNA. Marijuana accounted for 547 kg, more than a quarter of the total. 

The public demonstration was held at the Muzha Refuse Incineration Plant in Taipei’s Wenshan District. Multiple police agencies worked together to ensure the safe transportation and destruction of the drugs. 

The drugs were collected and labeled in 392 evidence boxes from court cases prosecuted over the past four years. A regulation went into effect in 2021 that requires samples of seized drugs to be sent to the MJIB to be cataloged and retained for possible reference in other criminal cases. 

The drugs that were disposed of on Friday had been retained by the MJIB but were no longer deemed necessary for any current or future investigations. 

In a press release, the MJIB said the amount of marijuana indicates that use of the drug is on the rise. The agency said it will continue to investigate the sources of all illegal drugs to ensure a safe and healthy society.