DAVAO CITY – Davao City’s ban on selling liquor beyond midnight is helping the campaign of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the reduction of supply and demand especially “party drugs”.
“There are no bars open that time and this has helped us in our campaign in the reduction of demand and supply,” PDEA 11 chief Antonio Rivera said.
Since party drugs are not also readily available, Rivera said marijuana and shabu remain the top selling or the prevalent illegal drugs not just in the city but also in other parts of the region.
He said marijuana and shabu are cheaper and readily available. Rivera, however, assured that they are always on the lookout for the presence of party drugs in Davao City.
In partnership with the Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the K9 Unit, Rivera said PDEA checks packages at the postal office.
Among the party drugs is the ecstasy in the form of a tablet, liquid and powder and the fly-high drug which contained a little amount of ecstasy, shabu, and Cialis (Chinese name for Viagra. It is mixed and diluted in water and poured into a cocktail drink.
Professionals are mostly the users of party drugs because it is expensive at PHP1, 500 to PHP3, 500.
He said party drugs are mostly sneaked into the country by courier.
“So far, it’s negative,” Rivera said.
He said PDEA continues to strengthen its campaign on reducing supply and demand by conducting buy-bust operations, implementing search warrants, and conducting information and education in schools. (Lilian Mellejor/PNA)
