Sagada town execs, cops cleared from drug mess

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines -  Sagada town (Mt. Province) executives and the local police were cleared from the drug trade mess here after at least four establishments “offering” marijuana and its derivatives in its menus were raided last October.

PDEA-Cordillera director Allan Ricardo said the police were instrumental in the drug bust providing information and leads.

The Cordillera police command earlier launched an investigation why the local police in the area did not know and did not do anything about the drug dens, which were  a few meters  away from the station.

Ricardo said efforts to rebuild the image of Sagada, which was tainted with the drug trade after the October raids are underway and local officials are cooperating.

At least three owners of establishments and one more resident are now facing drug raps after PDEA agents found marijuana, hashish and other hemp derivatives in the shops reportedly being offered to local and foreign tourists.