PDEG monitoring local officials for involvement in drugs

The Philippine National Police-Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG) is keeping an eye on several local officials for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade which could be used to finance their campaign in next year’s midterm elections.

“We have reports in some municipalities in our provinces involved in the distribution of illegal drugs… allegedly [to] finance their desire to run for an election,” said PNP-PDEG Director Police Brigadier General Eleazar Matta in Marisol Abdurahman’s report on “24  Oras” on Friday.

“Magdaratingan pa ang mga shabu na ‘yan (We  expect more shabu to arrive), maybe on a  seaside entry, maybe  on a floating mode of entry. They have innovations,” he added.

The PNP-PDEG's warning comes amid the recent seizing of P75 million in shabu during a buy-bust operation in Ermita, Manila. Two suspects were arrested in the operation.

“The suspects are key members of a major syndicate that has been fuelling the proliferation of illegal drugs across our country,” said Matta.

According to the report, authorities also discovered that the confiscated liquid shabu was easy to manufacture and could be sold online.

“Lesser ang tama ng toxins sa ating neurosystem, ibig sabihin hindi masyadong  nakakabaliw. Nagi-inovate din po sila,” said Matta.

(It’s less potent on the neuro system. This means it will not make you crazy. They are also innovating.)

“This is alarming… transacting business through social media [is] very easy.  They take advantage of the technology, of social media, delivery apps. Napakadali for them to conceal,” he added.

The arrested suspects have yet to give a statement. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM, GMA Integrated News