A survey we need no more. If at that current trend Bohol continues to ignore the problem, expect over a thousand drug cases further clogging the already stacked cases in courts.
At the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council in Bohol, members saw how drug problem in Bohol has become a horrible reality: 203 persons are now facing separate drug-related cases in the different courts in Bohol, and that is just for the first quarter (Q1).
Agent Chona Egam of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said about half of that number is currently facing charges against section 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of Republic Act 9165.
About 103 Boholanos are currently hailed in courts for their being implicated in the selling, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transport of dangerous drugs.
The daily barrage of drug arrests in Bohol mar early morning coffee rituals in Bohol, and not a few are asking until when do the authorities totally beat the drug trade.
During the PPOC meeting April 29, agent Egam added: of the same comprehensive law, 54 persons are now facing suits for section 11 of the RA 9165.
They are now held for violation of the section 11 of that cited law; or the possession of illegal drugs, the penalty of which is life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million, when found with large quantities.
By large quantities, the law determines a load of over 10 grams of the dangerous substance.
Another 34 people are in court for the possession of illegal drugs paraphernalia, a violation for section 12 of the same law, Egam showed in her powerpoint presentation.
For possible violation of section 7, or the being in a drug den, and aware of the activities and the nature of such, or even if he is just a visitor who knows such a place has already an ill reputation as such.
Another three are now in hot water and are facing suits for violation of section 6 of the RA 9165 or the operation and maintenance of a drug den.
In the same development, at the Bohol Polls, where 400 Boholanos were surveyed, 13 % of respondents said they are aware of persons selling drugs.
Of this year’s 13%, years back, in 2012, only 4% said they are aware of such.
In the same poll, it Tagbilaran City, 52% or all respondents admit that drugs has become very serious problem.
The survey also show that 29% of Boholano respondents of the polls conducted between March 26 to April 17 said drugs have become a very serious problem. (rac/PIA-7Bohol)