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. 
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