Illegal drugs tops street crime - PNP

The creation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 notwithstanding, illegal drugs remains as the most prevalent type of street time, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday. In a statement, PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr noted that in fact, anti-illegal drugs accomplishments of the PNP went down to 4,368 last year from 6,058 in 2005, based on records from the National Operation Center/Action Office on Street Crimes headed by Chief Superintendent Jaime Milla. Data from the Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management (DIDM) also revealed that the illegal drugs problem has assumed alarming proportions in the country over the past three decades. In this regard, Pagdilao said PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon reminded all regional directors to implement the provisions of the PNP's Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign strategies, with emphasis on strengthening the local Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) machinery. The PNP chief said the country should be drug-free by 2010, when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo steps down from power. "Proliferation and use of illegal drugs hamper efforts aimed at promoting peace and harmony, as well as meaningful social and economic development in the country," Pagdilao quoted Calderon as saying. "To realize this goal (of a drugs-free Philippines by 2010), there is a need for more community involvement where everyone can participate to combat the evils spawned by drug abuse," he added. Pagdilao disclosed that some 29 illegal drugs laboratories have so far been dismantled by law enforcement agencies since the passage of RA 9165. Thousands of drug-affected villages have also been cleared. - GMANews.TV