Pubdate: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 Source: Sunstar Iloilo (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Iloilo. Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2986 Author: Ruby P. Silubrico Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) okmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines SHABU SUPPLY IN ILOILO STILL SCARCE SHABU supply in Iloilo continues to be scarce, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) reported. Senior Supt. Efren Quintos, police provincial director, said this can be attributed to the dealers' shift to selling marijuana because of the minimal supply of shabu coming to Iloilo. "We noticed that after the series of drug raids in Metro Manila and Central Visayas, the supply of shabu in the province and in Western Visayas was affected," Quintos said. "That's why, they (drug dealers) are now shifting to marijuana." Records show that from January to February 15, 203.96 grams of marijuana were seized in eight operations conducted in the towns of Ajuy, Tigbauan, Zarraga, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas and Banate. During the same period, only 0.262 grams of shabu were confiscated. "We're happy that we were able to neutralize drug distribution in our area. We will not stop until it is eradicated," Quintos said. Meanwhile, IPPO arrested 116 most wanted persons in just more than a month, including two in the top 10. The two were Edwin Traigo of Tigbauan, Iloilo, who is facing a murder case, and Ronnie Dearos, who was charged for two counts of murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder. - ---