Pubdate: Wed, 16 Feb 2005
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Philippine Daily Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.inquirer.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073
Author: Joel Francis Guinto
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

MAYOR HIT FOR DESTROYING EVIDENCE IN PASIG DRUG BUST

PASIG City Mayor Vicente Eusebio could be charged in court for
ordering the demolition on Wednesday of a "flea market" for illicit
drugs without police clearance, an official said.

The demolition foiled a planned follow-up raid by police to seize
additional evidence, said Director Marcelo Ele, chief of the
Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AID-SOTF).

"The whole community is evidence," Ele told reporters in Camp Crame.
"To say the least, he [Eusebio] is interfering with the administration
of justice."

"We will refer the matter to the DoJ [Department of Justice] if he
could be held liable," he added.

Police raided a compound of some 100 shanties in Pasig City last
Friday and arrested some 300 suspected traders and users of "shabu"
(methamphetamine hydrochloride).

Some of the shanties offer menus, from which drug dependents can order
"shabu" at various quantities. The compound is around 500 meters from
the city government office.

Despite the destruction of the "shabu" stores, Ele said narcotic
agents have gathered enough evidence to pin down those behind the
illegal drugs trade.

Eusebio oversaw the demolition of the "shabu" stores in Sto. Tomas
village on Wednesday morning. He is reportedly planning to set up a
"resource and livelihood center" in the area.

Police have filed charges against over 200 drug traders and users
nabbed during the raid, and recommended the release of 99 others.

Fourteen minors who tested positive for drug use would be charged
before juvenile courts, police said Tuesday.

The discovery of the drug den prompted the relief of several police
officials, including Pasig City police chief Senior Superintendent
Raul Medina. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom