The Dangerous Drugs Board reported yesterday a marked reduction in the number of drug users in the country, that significantly dropped from a high of 6.7 million in 2004 to 1.7 million in 2008.

This was based on its national household survey, in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government and National Barangay Office, DDB Deputy Executive Director Amador Pabustan, who attended the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Caravan and launching of the Barkada Kontra Druga of the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Kabataan Federation at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, said.

The bulk of drug users are youth, with ages ranging from 20 to 29, Pabustan also said.

The DDB report also showed that shabu and marijuana are the two prohibited drugs commonly used by drug users.

Pabustan, however, said the drug problem in Western Visayas, is not as serious, compared to other regions of the country.

DDB records show that 302 of more than 4,000 barangays in the Western Visayas, are affected by the drug menace. However, this is less, compared to Metro Manila, where 90 percent of more than 1,000 of its barangays, are affected.

Iligan Rep. Vicente Belmonte, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drug Acts, had earlier expressed concern over the growing number of minors involved in illegal drug activities, and has proposed amendments to RA 9165, that would to focus on drug offenders, especially minors.

Pabustan, however, said there is no need for amendments to the Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, became the problem only needs full implementation of the law.

DDB formulates policies and strategies pertaining to drug abuse prevention and control, with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency serving as its implementing arm.

Pabustan said the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Negros Occidental headed by Board Member Thea Mae Dino is playing an important role in addressing the drug problem, among the youth sector.

Dino said the anti-drug campaign is among their top five priority programs for the youth in Negros Occidental.

She reported that the SKF has several programs that helps the youth to keep away from engaging in illegal drug activities, as they all also actively involved in Barangay Drug Abuse Council activities.

Pabustan said they have also monitored that the price of shabu per gram in Region 6 is P8,000, compared to P3,000 in Metro Manila. This could explain the scarcity of drug supply in the region, he added.* GPB

back to top