Pubdate: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 Source: People's Journal (Philippines) Copyright: 2006 People's Journal Contact: http://www.journal.com.ph/contactus.asp Website: http://www.journal.com.ph/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3381 Author: Alfred Dalizon Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Death+Penalty (Death Penalty) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) PASIG SUSPECTS FACE LETHAL INJECTION SOME of the suspects arrested when police raided the shabu colony in Pasig City face the death penalty if found guilty of using minors as drug couriers. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chair Anselmo S. Avenido, Jr. said some of the 377 people detained last week face penalties ranging from death to life imprisonment and a minimum of six months rehabilitation. Director Mareclo Ele, Jr., commander of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force said 167 of those arrested tested positive for use of either shabu or marijuana and were charged with drug use, 129 for visiting a drug den, 28 for maintenance of a drug den, 28 for possession of illegal drugs, 23 for constructive possession of drug paraphernalia, and two for drug pushing. Two others were charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Avenido said RA 9165 is particularly harsh on maintainers of drug dens. Those found guilty of the offense face life imprisonment or death. On the other hand, possession of drug paraphernalia carries a jail term of six months and one day to four years and a fine ranging from P10,000 to P50,000. Those found selling shabu face the penalty of life imprisonment or death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million. Avenido said drug pushers who use minors or mentally incapacitated individuals as runners, couriers and messengers also face death penalty. - --- MAP posted-by: Tom