Drug-free Philippines by
2010 attainable, says PDEA chief

ILOILO City – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Director Roybel Sanchez is optimistic that their 2010 drug-free Philippines target is attainable.

Sanchez admitted that the goal is “ambitious” but stressed that PDEA is receiving good support from the Arroyo administration and the local government executives.

PDEA’s performance this year has greatly improved, stressed Sanchez.

Sanchez said they have 41 positive operations already, with more than 60 persons arrested.

Also, he said, the selling price of shabu has gone up to P8,000 or P9,000 per gram compared to last year’s P5,000 to P7,000 a gram.

The high cost is due to the scarcity of the supply because of relentless police operations.
Sanchez said the high cost is also true to marijuana and other forms of illegal drugs proliferating in Western Visayas.

The mean age of drug users in Region 6 is 29 years old, added Sanchez.

Sanchez also confirmed that some minors are being used as drug runners or couriers by illegal drug traders. PDEA has so far arrested three minors. They were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 6 for rehabilitation.

This week, DEA is scheduled to conduct symposia on the ill-effects of drugs in various schools outside of Iloilo city.

Sanchez said the symposia are intended to make the students aware of the debilitating effects of illegal drugs to one’s health and the community. (PNA)