Pubdate: Mon, 30 May 2005
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973
Author: Jun P. Yap
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

NCRPO TO WATCH CLOSELY DRUG PUSHERS WHEN CLASSES OPEN

Aside from reported variations of the illegal numbers game (jueteng)
and petty crimes, watching out for the sale of illegal drugs to
students and minors will be on top of the list of priorities of the
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) when school opens next
week.

NCRPO Chief Vidal Querol yesterday said more than 5,000 policemen have
been given instructions to intensify their discreet operations against
illegal drug pushers who would try to victimize elementary and high
school students in Metro Manila.

"That will be our priority, to watch out for the sale of drugs at the
opening of classes. We want our children to graduate from school, not
from drugs," Querol said during an interview over radio station dzBB.

He added police operatives will also be on the lookout for petty
crimes as well as gambling in and near schools, including variations
of the numbers game jueteng.

But he had admitted earlier the national police's attention has
focused too much on jueteng that it is in danger of neglecting efforts
against petty crimes and terrorism.

Authorities revealed the most popular drug is still methamphetamine
hydrochloride (shabu) which continues to sell well with high school
students. Marijuana is also widely used, they said.

Querol said the priority of police is to determine and close off the
"inroads" used by drug pushers to get to the students during the
school year.

He explained the operation includes surveillance of school premises as
well as homes of suspected drug pushers, areas where illicit drug
sessions are held.

"We have to close any possible inroads of drug abuse in campuses,"
Querol said. 
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