Pubdate: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) Copyright: 2005, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Author: Anthony Vargas Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines MORE YUPPIES ON DRUGS THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday confirmed that the campaign against illegal drugs was getting tighter following the emergence of a new breed of illegal drug dependents. Deputy Director General Ricardo de Leon, commander of PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force (AID-SOTF), said that the new group of addicts are "young professionals." "It started with a simple taste until they become addicted. This is the reason I am warning everybody not to taste it [illegal drugs]," de Leon told reporters in Camp Crame. The official said that most of the young professionals who are getting hooked on drugs are doctors, nurses, lawyers, young executives and even managers. "Some of these people take illegal drugs out of curiosity," de Leon said, adding that too much pressure from work was their convenient excuse. De Leon made the revelation following the arrest of a "big-time" drug suspect, who was said to be the distributor of illegal drugs in Metro Manila. The suspect, Patrick John Adajarm, 24, of Unit 903, N. Domingo St., San Juan, was nabbed by AID-SOTF operatives during a buy-bust operation in a restaurant also in San Juan. De Leon said that AID-SOTF operatives under Supt. Arnold Aguilar were able to seize from the suspect 79 "Ecstasy" tablets, known as "love pill" or "party drug." The suspect will be charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9165 before the Pasig prosecutors office. - ---