MANILA – The Philippine National Police – Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG) are monitoring some local officials for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
PNP-PDEG director, Police Brigadier General Eleazar Matta, said some politicians might turn to illegal drug trade to finance their campaign in the 2025 midterm elections.
“We have reports in some municipalities in our provinces (about local officials) involved in the distribution of illegal drugs… allegedly [to] finance their desire to run for an election,” Matta said.
“Magdaratingan pa ang mga shabu na ‘yan, maybe on a seaside entry, maybe on a floating mode of entry. They have innovations in terms of drug smuggling,” he added.
Matta’s statement came following the recent seizing of P75 million in shabu during a buy-bust operation in Ermita, Manila, where two suspects were arrested.
“The suspects are key members of a major syndicate that has been fuelling the proliferation of illegal drugs across our country,” said Matta.
Matta also cautioned the public against the liquid shabu, which was easy to manufacture and could be sold online.
“Lesser ang tama ng toxins sa ating neurosystem, ibig sabihin hindi masyadong nakakabaliw. Nag-i-innovate din po sila,” said Matta.
“This is alarming…transacting business through social media [is] very easy. They take advantage of the technology, of social media, delivery apps. Napakadali for them to conceal,” he added./PN
