Gatchalian seeks to penalize owners of warehouses used as illegal drug dens

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday urged the passage of his proposed bill that seeks to penalize owners of warehouses used as laboratories and storage in the manufacturing and distribution of illegal drugs.

Under the proposed Senate Bill No. 1225, owners or lessors of houses, buildings, warehouses or any edifice used as storage or laboratories for the manufacture of drugs, controlled precursors, or essential chemicals may face a jail term ranging from 12 years and one day to 20 years aside from a fine of ?100,000.00 to ?500,000.00.

The seizure of ?1 billion worth of shabu from a warehouse in Malabon City spurred the urgency to pass the proposed bill that aims to amend Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, according to a press release from Gatchalian's office.

"This bill is another weapon in the government’s arsenal in the anti-drug campaign, "Gatchalian said. "With the passage of this bill, it is expected that owners will be more circumspect in leasing their properties because of the liability they will face under the law."

The bill orders that if the owner or lessor had prior knowledge that the property is being used to manufacture or store dangerous drugs, the person will be sentenced with the maximum penalty.

If the property is government-owned, government officials or employees as well who failed to even inspect the area will be disqualified from office and will be served the maximum penalty. —Kaela Malig/KG, GMA News