PDEA, PNP to monitor poppy seeds
-A A +AThursday, February 24, 2011
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now working together in monitoring the possible entry and use of poppy seeds in Western Visayas, Police Regional Office-6 director Cipriano E. Querol, Jr. said Wednesday.
Despite being classified as an illegal drug in the country, poppy seeds have become a popular pastry and salad ingredient in restaurants and cafes.
Some businesses have started to import and use poppy seeds without realizing that the items are considered illegal drugs.
Recently, PDEA urged business firms to surrender their supply of poppy seeds which were earlier allowed to be imported by the Food and Drug Administration.
Querol said there has been no report yet of any bakery in Western Visayas which uses poppy seeds as an ingredient in its products.
He stressed PDEA and PNP are intensifying their campaign against illegal drugs, citing the recent apprehension in Bacolod of about 12 kilos of marijuana which was shipped from Baguio City.
Querol added that the police will strengthen their inspection in ports and will remind the management of marine transport companies to conduct strict inspection of packages.
Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on February 24, 2011.
Local news
Forum rules: Do not use obscenity. Some words have been banned. Stick to the topic. Do not veer away from the discussion. Be coherent and respectful. Do not shout or use CAPITAL LETTERS!
