Editorial: Drug money

IN ITS 2010 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report released in Washington, the US State Department said drug problems in the Philippines continued to pose a significant national threat despite reports of a possible decline in the supply and demand of illegal drugs in some parts of the country.

The report says drug money may affect the outcome of the May 2010 national and local elections in the country.

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What’s more alarming with the report is that Region X is among the top three areas in the country where illegal drugs are being trafficked, with value estimated at between $6.4 billion to $8.4 billion annually. Aside from Northern Mindanao, the other areas identified in the report are Cebu and Metro Manila.

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) says at least six politicians in Northern Mindanao are suspected to have links with illegal drugs, though the board refused to name them.

The DDB says these politicians are likely getting funds from drug lords to finance their respective campaigns, and that their involvement in illicit narcotics varies.

With the US report and the DDB’s alleged list, perhaps the region’s Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) should exert more effort in running after those behind this dirty trade.

We know that the PDEA in Northern Mindanao is doing its best to curb this menace. But its effort should be doubled, or perhaps tripled, considering that the region is fast becoming an investment and tourism destination in Mindanao.

What may also help in solving this problem is the continued vigilance of the community and the guidance of parents so that their children would not be tempted by illegal drugs.

With or without the US report, illegal drugs may continue to be a problem. But at least, we are doing something to stop it, though not in an instant.