PNP on tight watch vs. ‘new, cheaper’ illegal drug

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it is keeping a tight watch on the trade of a new type of illegal drug in the country.

PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the substance called methyl amphetamine is similar to shabu in liquid and appears to be cheaper and “less toxic”.

Matta said they discovered this type of drug from the three Chinese nationals arrested in anti-drug operations in Pasay and Parañaque on Wednesday night.

“The liquid substance can also be converted into a solid one. It also crystalizes. You would think it’s ordinary distilled water but when it is processed, it still causes a lot of effects in the air and produces odor,” Matta said in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He said drug syndicates are selling this new type of drug on social media.

He, however, assured the police are also innovating ways to curb illegal drug trade.

“Our regional police offices have substantial yield in terms of arrest of individuals and confiscation of illegal drugs so your government especially is not letting our guard down in stopping these illegal drugs fueling or entering our country,” Matta said.

Matta, meanwhile, said they are validating reports of local officials involved in distribution and proliferation of illegal drugs in the country, aimed at generating funds for next year’s midterm elections.

“We have yet to develop a case buildup against them and be arrested. Right now we have a summary of information for validation of other groups. We wrote already in the intelligence community In our report that those guys, those local government executives are involved in illegal drugs,” he said.

P81-M shabu seized in Manila, Bulacan

Matta said PDEG agents seized some PHP81.6 million worth of shabu from four suspects, including three high-value targets (HVT), in soperations in Manila and Bulacan province on Thursday.

Authorities arrested alias “Janex”, 28, an HVT; and alias “Jeny”, 19, in a buy-bust around 4:15 p.m. Thursday in the town of Marilao.

The suspects yielded 1 kg. of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6.8 million.

In Manila, police arrested alias “Jeboy”, 37; and alias “Rodel”, 45, both HVTs and are members of a major drug syndicate at about 7:45 p.m. in Barangay 676 in Ermita district.

Seized from the two were approximately 11 kg. of shabu worth PHP74.8 million along with other non-drug evidence.

The suspects will be charged with the violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.