ILOILO City – The enhanced community quarantine being observed in all provinces of Western Visayas to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has also slowed down the trafficking of illegal drugs, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Drug trading dropped by approximately 40 percent, said PDEA Region 6 spokesperson Shey Tanaleon.
The quarantine restricted the movement of drug users, pushers and the transport of illegal drugs, Tanaleon explained.
“Quarantine control points (checkpoints) are very strict. Travelers are required to present home quarantine passes. These discourage drug traffickers from operating,” said Tanaleon.
Seaports and provincial borders are also being tightly watched by policemen and soldiers, Taleon added.
Further contributing to the slowdown on drug trafficking was the drop in the demand for illegal drugs. Tanaleon said many drug users may be hurting financially from economic displacement due to work suspensions, retrenchments or closure of workplaces.
Despite the slowdown in drug trafficking, however, PDEA -6 remains on alert, Tanaleon assured the public.
“Indi maayo sa aton ang COVID-19 but it slowed down drug trafficking,” said Tanaleon./PN
