Pubdate: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 Source: Sunstar Bacolod (Philippines) Copyright: 2002sSunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/affiliate.php3?locid=1 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1718 Author: Avelyn Z. Agudon Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1062/a04.html Note: To read more about the Philippines latest anti-drug crusade visit http://www.mapinc.org/areas/philippines DRUG CASES SEEN TO DROP THE country's drug problem will be minimized after the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is signed, said Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella. Puentevella told Sun.Star Bacolod, illegal drug pushers, traffickers and users, on whose possession, at least 10 grams of cocaine, heroine and ecstasy, or 50 grams of shabu and marijuana, shall be confiscated, will face the maximum penalty of death. "I hope younger generations will now avoid drugs," he said. The solon, one of the co-authors of the law, further said, if the government will not impose a heavier penalty, the drug problem in the country will not be solved and younger generations will continue to suffer. Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, vice-chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, had earlier described the amended law as the "toughest law in Asia." Zubiri said there are some provisions in the bill which safeguards it from those who want to take advantage. The statute also punishes with death law enforcers who are caught planting illegal drugs as evidence. Those who will be caught with less than 10 grams of illegal drugs will face 15 to 20 years of imprisonment. The government will also destroy the sacks or tons of drugs which will be recovered by the apprehending agencies after they get the necessary evidences to prosecute the suspects. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk