PDEA eyes 2 drug groups

CEBU, Philippines - There are two local drug groups reportedly operating in Central Visayas that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 is monitoring closely, PDEA7 Director Jigger Montallana revealed yesterday.

These groups reportedly focus on selling shabu and have used Cebu as a transient point in distributing the substance to other provinces in the Visayas, including some areas of Luzon and Mindanao.

Montallana said this was revealed during interrogations of arrested drug pushers. He refused to disclose further details, but said PDEA is strengthening its efforts through intelligence build-up and coordination with other law enforcement agencies to intercept couriers at the airports, wharfs and terminals.

During a recent international conference, PDEA also identified two transnational drug syndicates that are operating in the country, but these groups have reportedly not penetrated Region 7 just yet. (FREEMAN)