Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jul 2004 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) Copyright: 2004, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Author: Ma. Theresa Torres, Reporter PALACE ADMITS ANTIDRUG CAMPAIGN ONLY HALF DONE MALACANANG admitted on Monday that the government's antidrug work is only half done in the wake of a United Nations report citing the Philippines as the world's third-largest producer of shabu. "We have pushed the drug menace far back but we take the UN report as a reminder that there is more to be done," President Arroyo said. "The drug problem has been half beaten and the street price of methamphetamine has gone up almost five fold," she added. This is the first time the President has admitted weaknesses in the government's antidrug campaign. Early this month, Mrs. Arroyo commended the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force for neutralizing 240 local syndicates, arresting 24,000 drug pushers and dismantling 15 shabu laboratories since it was created last year. The government's efforts have not changed the country's status as top producer of shabu, however. The UN report disclosed that the illegal drugs trade in the country is estimated at P216 billion to P400 billion a year. The UN report said the shabu produced in the Philippines reaches as far as Australia and the United States. Mrs. Arroyo assured the people, however, that the government would increase its efforts against illegal drug manufacturers and distributors, noting that the country would start coordinating with other governments. "This is not only a domestic problem but one that we share with the rest of humanity. The Filipino people fight alongside all civilized nations on this issue," she said. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth