Pubdate: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 Source: Sunstar Pampanga (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Sunstar Contact: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2252 Note: also listed as a contact Author: Reynaldo G. Navales Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines ILLEGAL DRUGS SOLD INSIDE NLEX: TMC OFFICIALS CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Officials of the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC) are worried about the proliferation of illegal drugs inside the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex). This was learned during a recent meeting of the TMC officials with the members of the Pampanga Truckers Association held at a restaurant here. The tollways officials disclosed that they recently apprehended near the Balintawak exit a driver suspected of buying prohibited drugs from a drug pusher while his truck is parked at the shoulder of the expressway. The tollways officials admitted they are apprehensive in arresting drivers and persons who are engaging in drug trade inside the freeway. "Our authority is limited. We cannot arrest drivers because of drugs. We can only cite the drivers of traffic violations," Charlie Espanola, TMC traffic chief, said. He also said majority of the road accidents transpiring inside the expressway are drug-related. An average of four serious accidents happen inside the expressway everyday, Espanola said. From February to April this year, the TMC has listed at least 211 accidents inside the Nlex and 75 of these are considered serious, he added. He also mentioned the scores of fatalities out these road tragedies. To address this problem, the TMC officials said they have coordinated with the Central Luzon police regarding their plan of dispatching a unit of police officers inside the Nlex. The police unit will be tasked to implement the anti-drug law and run after drug traffickers operating inside the expressway. Chief Superintendent Rowland Albano reportedly vowed to adhere to the TMC officials request of police team. - ---