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Sunday, January 15, 2006
Drug agency tightens watch on contraband substance
GOVERNMENT anti-drug agents are closely watching the entry and distribution of muriatic acid in Soccsksargen Region as part of an intensified drive against possible existence of illegal drug laboratories in the area.
Chief Inspector Jessie Estrada, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director for Soccsksargen Region, said they have started to regulate the shipment of the product, which is reportedly an ingredient in the manufacture of shabu.
Estrada said they have set up a monitoring system for the product at various commercial ports and the main highways in the region.
"No shipments (of muriatic acid) are allowed unless the consignees or owners have secured the necessary licenses or clearance from us and other concerned agencies," Estrada said in a radio interview.
He said they have also disallowed the bulk shipments of muriatic acid, which mostly come from manufacturers based in Cebu and Manila.
Estrada added that they have also tied up with local government units (LGUs) and muriatic acid manufacturers to ensure that the product is distributed properly.
He said LGUs in the area now conduct inspections on establishments that were selling or using the product like pharmacies, hospitals, and owners of swimming pools before their licenses or permits were issued.
Estrada said they would also conduct inspections on business establishments in the city.
"On the part of the manufacturers, they would no longer sell the product to those who have no business permits," he said.
However, Estrada failed to say if the product's regulation was connected to earlier reports about the presence of alleged shabu laboratories in the region but cited that they have been closely monitoring such possibility in the area.
A top official of the anti-drug abuse council in Soccsksargen Region earlier disclosed that they have received reports about the existence of at least six shabu laboratories in Cotabato City.
The official, who asked anonymity, said the operators of the drug laboratories have reportedly established dropping zones of the illegal substance in the region. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(January 2, 2006 issue)
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