PDEA 6 stresses family’s role in curbing illegal drug abuse
More than law enforcement, the family could be a potent force to curb illegal drug abuse, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6.
PDEA 6 Regional Director Paul Ledesma said they have monitored reduction of arrests during the months of November, December, and January, the period when families are usually together.
This is also the time when many overseas Filipino workers come home.
“So we surmised that if there are family activities, illegal drug use is diminished, if not stomped out,” Ledesma said.
On the contrary, PDEA recorded high arrests during the opening of classes where apprehensions rise to about 30 percent. This is during the period from May to July.
Ledesma said that on occasions when peers come together, there could also be higher incidence of illegal drugs abuse.
“That’s why, there is also a number of arrests in February, especially during prom days and in March, the graduation month,” he said.
April could not be considered a lean month for drug users because fiestas also serve as opportunity for friends to use drugs, Ledesma added.
“That’s why it is very important that our young people go out with good peers. But more than that, we encourage strong family foundation to restrain illegal drug use,” he said.
Supply Reduction
Moreover, Ledesma said the PDEA 6 is still going hard in their supply reduction operations.
He said they are also intensifying their intelligence efforts against personalities on their watchlist.
Ledesma said that even as the Christmas holidays and Dinagyang festivities are approaching, they have not monitored an increase in illegal drug supply.
The price of “shabu” or methamphetamine hydrochloride is still P9,000 per gram, which is lower to the 2008 and 2009 price of P12,000 to P15,000 per gram.*
