BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – The supply of illegal drugs in the region has been alarming, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 6.
So far this year, the antidrug law enforcement agency has recorded a total of P307,001,647.48 worth of shabu seized in various operations in the region.
But PDEA-6 believes that the increased volume of illegal drug seizures only substantiates two things: one, stocks accumulate as demands are lowered, and two, the doubled efforts of law enforcement in preventing its further distribution.
“We must acknowledge that there has been a flood of supply of illegal drugs, which is truly alarming. Our primary concern lies in preventing their distribution and sale within our neighborhoods,” Ma. Graziella Tanaleon, information officer of PDEA-6, told Panay News.
She added that Western Visayas has become a transshipment point for illegal drugs to other regions.
“Let us reconcile the assessments of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Police Colonel Ronaldo Palomo. Yes, the amounts have been alarming. But this is actually a good sign because they are immediately intercepted. What only makes it more alarming is if they get distributed,” Tanaleon further said.
The PDEA-6 officer also noted the decrease in buying prices.
“We can see that the prices of illegal drugs have lowered. The number of users declined, so there are fewer buyers; thus, the average cost per gram is also lower,” she explained.
PDEA-6 recognized as well the significance of collaborative efforts with various law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Customs, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine National Police, in effectively combating the drug trade.
As the holiday season nears, Tanaleon emphasized that heightened vigilance is imperative, especially at public transport hubs like ports, airports, and bus terminals.
PDEA’s K9 units have been conducting rigorous search operations, profiling passengers, and relentlessly detecting concealed drugs.
Furthermore, these highly trained canines are undergoing specialized narcotics refresher courses to ensure their exceptional efficiency in uncovering hidden substances. PDEA agents maintain round-the-clock monitoring and surveillance, preparing for potential anti-drug operations./PN
