41 nabbed in month-long anti-drug drive in Sampaloc

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) arrested 41 drug suspects in Sampaloc, reportedly one of the most drug-infested districts in the city, in a month-long campaign against illegal drugs.

In a report submitted to Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, Sampaloc police station chief Superintendent Ramon Pranada said the number of arrests is the largest ever accomplished by any police station commander in the city in a single month.

Pranada started the anti-drug drive when he assumed the post last Nov. 15.

Pranada identified Rochelle David, 25, of N. Domingo street in Sampaloc; and Aleli Franco, 31, of Bulacan, as the two most notorious drug pushing suspects in Sampaloc and have been on the MPD’s most wanted list.

Of the 41 arrested, 23 were nabbed for possession of illegal drugs, seven for possession of drug paraphernalia, seven caught in the act of sniffing shabu and four for drug pushing.

Pranada has also replaced Senior Inspector Restituto Paz, the station’s anti-illegal drugs chief, with SPO4 Anthony Sy “to better implement my program and policy against illegal drugs.”

Pranada said he has been monitoring the alleged illegal activities of one of Sampaloc’s barangay chairmen, who is allegedly the protector and coddler of drug users and peddlers. “We are presently gathering more evidence to pin him down,” he said.   – Nestor Etolle