Pubdate: Wed, 22 Feb 2006
Source: Visayan Daily Star (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006 Visayan Daily Star
Contact:  http://www.visayandailystar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1688
Author: Juancho Gallarde
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

SHABU PRICES UP: PDEA 7

Regional director Supt. Amado Marquez Jr. of the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas announced recently that Region 7
ranked third in the number of convictions last year with 67 percent,
or more than 1,000 drug personalities, jailed for violating provisions
of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Most of the cases are in the city and province of Cebu, he said.

Marquez said PDEA noted a sharp decline in the supply of illegal drugs
in the region, and added that Mindanao is the main source of drugs.

Due to the scarcity of drug supply, shabu prices also increased, he
said.

In early 2005, Oriental Negros Gov. George Arnaiz had formed the Task
Force 24 to run against illegal drugs, among others, and this was
replicated throughout the region. Meanwhile, PDEA announced that it is
recruiting 100 new members and set the examinations on Feb. 26.

Under RA 9165, regular PDEA operatives are given the option to stay
with the agency or go back to their mother units, under a five-year
transition period. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom