The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Negros Oriental yesterday said lack of manpower and budget is limiting its anti-illegal drugs operations.

In a briefing at the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, PDEA head Ivy Claire Oledan, in her report read by agent Hector Avenido, said the lack of manpower and financial restrictions are major hindrances in the campaign against prohibited drugs.

This was backed by the low accomplishment of the provincial PDEA, from October to December last year, compared to those of other law enforcement agencies, like the Philippine National Police.

Oledan said the PDEA conducted one buy-bust operation, one test buy, one service of warrant, four surveillance and casing operations on high value targets and big time illegal drugs personalities, that resulted in the seizure of 2.5 grams of shabu and 0.54 gram of marijuana, in the last quarter of 2013.

PDEA is the lead agency in the drive against illegal drugs, and continues to work with other law enforcement agencies.

She also said its biggest challenge in addressing the illegal drugs problem in Negros Oriental is geographical location, pointing out that the province is situated between Mindanao and Cebu, described as major retailers and markets for illegal drugs, and gateways to other points of the country, making it strategic for transshipment of illegal contrabands.

The agency noted that the vast shorelines of Negros Oriental are accessible to motorized boats, and security is almost nil.

Ports of entry in the province are not secured round-the-clock, so illegal drugs pass through unnoticed, it added.

Suppliers of shabu in Negros Oriental are mostly from Manila, Cebu and Mindanao and are being transported through the Roll On, Roll Off ports.

The PDEA recommends that law enforcement agencies update the drug personality target and watch list, drug groups, and the modus operandi and drug routes of these personalities.*JFP

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