Pregnant woman yields solvent for sale

MANILA, Philippines – A 19-year-old mother, who is six months pregnant, was arrested by the police allegedly while in possession of several bottles of solvent which she reportedly sells to street children in Binondo, Manila.

The woman was nabbed by anti-crime operatives of Meisic police station led by SPO3 Ver Navarro at the corner of C.M. Recto and Elcano streets carrying a green plastic pail. When checked, police discovered 104 small bottles of solvent.

Solvent, an industrial liquid capable of dissolving another substance, is being abused by drug users by inhaling its fumes. The intoxicating fumes reportedly give a feeling of high to users. Its users are mostly street children and out-of-school youths due to its availability and cheap price.

The suspect admitted engaging in the selling of solvent that started three months ago. She said she got her supply from an unidentified man who sells her a liter of solvent for P150. She said she was able to produce 104 bottles and sold them for P15 per bottle, netting P1,560. She was referred to the station’s anti-drugs unit for proper charges. – Nestor Etolle