Pubdate: Tue, 18 Oct 2005
Source: Manila Standard (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Manila Standard
Contact:  http://www.manilastandardonline.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3450
Author: Florante S. Solmerin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DRUG TRADE IN PALAWAN

A MAYOR from an island-municipality in Palawan yesterday exposed the
existence of illegal drug trade between some of his constituents
engaged in the underworld business in connivance with shabu
manufacturers from Kudarat, Malaysia.

"Reports of an illegal drug trade between my constituents and those
from Kudarat, Malaysia is really true and this is one of my problems -
to curb drug trafficking in my locality," a report quoted Bugsuk
Island, Balabac Mayor Rommel Sulani as saying.

Sulani made the exposition about the illegal drug trade during the
celebration of World Food Day held in the island-municipality some 260
kilometers from Puerto Princesa City, capital of Palawan.

The island has a population of 1,000 families or roughly 4,000 people
highly dependent on fishing as main source of income.

"But many of our fishermen have gone to the lucrative selling of
prohibited drugs, particularly in Barangay Mangsee, about 40 km from
Balabac proper," said Sulani.

He said "shabu consumers" in the island-barangay of Mangsee bought
their supply in Kudat, which is four to five hours away by motorboat
and that there is a possibility that drugs are also brought to other
town centers in Palawan.

Sulani also confirmed that the illegal drug trade in Mangsee was being
controlled by drug lords. He, however, did not divulge their identities.

"Aside from Malaysia, there are drug shipments coming from Tawi-Tawi
and other nearby Mindanao provinces. The Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency should look into this drug menace in my municipality," he said.

Sulani further noted that he had discussed with a delegation of
Malaysians during the Asian Cities against Drug conference held in
Puerto Princesa last month of the possibility of a joint undertaking
in the fight against drug shipments. 
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