Curbing illegal drug activities

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Negros Oriental is to be commended for its relentless drive against illegal drugs operators in Dumaguete City and in the entire province.

The support given by the Philippine National Police to PDEA personnel in fighting the illegal drugs trade in the province may eventually enable them to catch more “big fish” operators, including police personnel themselves who may be involved.

The new PNP regional director in Central Visayas said he believes that many policemen want to also operate the drugs trade for easy money. Statistics from the PNP show that many policemen are now either facing charges in court, have been dismissed, or have landed in jail, for involvement in illegal drugs, whether as users, protectors, or actual traffickers.

In certain provinces, PDEA has been pushing for random drug testing in both public and private high schools, universities and colleges to prevent drug use by students.

The arrest of a suspected drug pusher recently in a hotel in Dumaguete in a buy-bust operation conducted by the police yielded substantial supplies. More than 100 suspects in the city and provincial jail have been charged and are waiting for the decision of the drugs court.

We believe that, with proper coordination and with honest and committed police officers, and dedicated community leaders, we will someday be able to curb the proliferation of drugs in our community, if not in the entire province, and even the country.*