Pubdate: Mon, 10 Jan 2005
Source: Visayan Daily Star (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Visayan Daily Star
Contact:  http://www.visayandailystar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1688
Author: Rene Genove
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CITY SHABU SUPPLY DROPS

The city's anti-drug abuse council welcomed the series of police raids 
against shabu laboratories in many cities in the Philippines, saying this 
has affected the supply of the banned substance in Dumaguete City.

Businessman Fernando Martinez, chairman of the anti-drug council, told the 
group that the raids have resulted in a drastic drop of the shabu supply in 
the city. The latest raids took place in Davao City.

Because of the shortage, Martinez said, the price of a gram of shabu has 
soared up. From P2,500 per gram, he said, to now sells for as high as 
P4,000, or an almost 100 percent increase.

Martinez said he believes that with the soaring cost, many will not be able 
to buy the substance, thus reducing the incidence of drugs use in the city.

During the council meeting, he also ruled out the possibility of any 
illegal drug laboratory existing in the city.

To make shabu, he said, volumes of the ingredients must be available, which 
they are not in Dumaguete City.

The ingredients that include volumes of ephedrine are not common in the city.

Martinez said this chemical can be found only in provinces where shabu 
laboratories are located.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Agustin Perdices has called on Dumagetenos to extend 
their support and cooperation to newly-appointed chief of police Manuel 
Hidalgo, especially in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Perdices said any information on the whereabouts of persons dealing with, 
or pushing shabu will be most welcome. Informants don't have to reveal 
their names. It will be up for the authorities to verify the information, 
he said.
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