Lacson: Supply reduction is ‘the better approach’ in war on drugs

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Sunday said that he appreciates the efforts of the law enforcement agencies when they successfully intercept the distribution of illegal drugs in the country, and that supply reduction is the "better approach" in fulfilling the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

"When illegal drugs are interdicted before reaching their distribution points, I have nothing but praises and commendations for PDEA [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency] in particular and law enforcement in general," Lacson said.

"Intelligence networking and timely exchange of information with their counterparts in other parts of the world should always be maintained if not strengthened," he added.

"Needless to say, supply reduction is the better approach in the government's tried and tested two-pronged strategy against dangerous drugs," he said.

On Friday, almost 300 kilos of suspected shabu worth P1.8 billion were seized by the Bureau of Customs and PDEA at the Manila North Harbor. Authorities said this may be linked to the Golden Triangle syndicate.

Lacson, former chief of the Philippine National Police, also backed PDEA chief Aaron Aquino's statement that foreign drug traffickers are not afraid of engaging in the drug trade in the Philippines because of the absence of death penalty.

"That makes sense. Not only that there is no death penalty in the country. It is also aggravated by the perception, rightly or wrongly, that under our criminal justice system, they can buy their way out," he said. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News