416 personalities in PNP-PDEA 'order of battle'
Four hundred sixteen individuals are included in the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for illegal drugs trade in the region.
This was disclosed by Senior Supt. Paterno Bangui, new Action Officer of Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (AIDSOTG) of Police Regional Office 6, during the cable television program Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis recently.
Bangui said the number of illegal drug personalities was determined after the OB (Order of Battle) Validation Workshop conducted by the PDEA.
"Close monitoring is being conducted against these personalities, especially those involved in the illegal trade," Bangui said.
He added, of the total 4,050 barangays in the region only 71 are considered drug-affected.
Bangui also said that methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu is now reportedly reaching at about P2,500 to 3,500 per gram due to scarcity of the supply coming in the region.
"There is no presence of shabu laboratory here," Bangui said, adding that illegal drugs operators are taking advantage of Roll On-Roll Off (Nautical Highway) and seaports to bring in the trade.
In pursuit of the government vision of drug-free Philippines 2010, the PDEA and PNP in the region are intensifying its campaigns for the reduction of supply and demand of illegal drugs.
The series of anti-drug symposia on schools, workplaces, barangays, etc., and conduct of buy bust, raids and service of Search Warrant & Warrant of Arrest against suspected personalities are aimed towards the eradication of illegal drugs in this part of the country.
Bangui also enjoined the public to cooperate with the police in the campaign since this is not just a concern of the law enforcers. (With report from RPIO PRO6)