Pubdate: Sat, 12 Feb 2005
Source: Sun.Star Cebu (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sun.Star
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1690
Author: Rene H. Martel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

SUPPLY OF SHABU LOW, PRICE HIKES FIVE-FOLD

THE supply of shabu is now so "scarce" its street price has increased 
five-fold, the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) reported in 
yesterday's Police Coordination and Advisory Council (PCAC) meeting.

It credited the shortage in supply, which used to be "abundant," to the 
dismantling of shabu laboratories in Mandaue City last September.

ABC president Eugenio Faelnar said sources from the different barangays 
told him of the shortage of shabu in the streets of Cebu City.

Very Expensive

Shabu now has become very expensive: one "deck," which used to be just a 
little over P100, now fetches for at least P500. As a result, ordinary drug 
users can't afford it.

In his report, Faelnar said that while the police is busy trying to solve 
the summary executions and fight illegal gambling, the barangays noticed 
"something quite peculiar" in the illegal drug trade.

Drug dependents, he said, are now looking for alternatives like marijuana 
and cough syrup.

"Unscrupulous drug dealers even adulterate shabu with tungsten, a gray 
metal element organic in fluorescent light bulbs," he said. Faelnar said 
this has caused deaths in the city, but did not specify cases.

The claim was supported by the admission of a suspected drug pusher 
arrested in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel Thursday dawn.

Fake Shabu

Arnel Magdasal alleged there are pushers in the barangay who now sell fake 
shabu due to the scarcity of the illegal drug.

He said some drug peddlers now sell salt mixed with tawas.

Faelnar cited the situation in Barangay Pulangbato, which "used to be the 
center of distribution of (shabu) in the northern mountain areas."

He said shabu in Pulangbato has become so scarce and very expensive 
"ordinary drug dependents" could no longer afford it.

He expressed optimism that the fight against illegal drugs is getting 
brighter, especially with the help of the community.
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