Pubdate: Tue, 14 Mar 2006
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973
Author: Jun P. Yap
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

AUTHORITIES SEIZE 15 BRICKS OF MARIJUANA IN MANILA BUST

Joint elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a suspected drug
dealer and seized some 15 bricks of "marijuana" during a buy-bust
operation in Manila over the weekend.

NBI officer-in-charge Nestor Mantaring identified the suspect as Elson
Langpaw, 26, a farmer and a native of Wangwang, Tinoc, Ifugao.

According to Mantaring, the NBI Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force under
task force commander Ruel Lasala and the PDEA team arrested the
suspect during an operation at the Florida bus terminal located at
Earnshaw Street, Sampaloc, Manila, after a month-long case build-up.

During the operation, Langpaw was carrying with him a sack containing
15 marijuana bricks individually wrapped in newspapers and intermixed
with carrots and potatoes to avoid detection by military and police
checkpoints on the way to Manila from Mountain Province.

During the supposed "payoff," Langpaw opened the sack and showed its
contents to the poseur-buyer and was immediately arrested upon receipt
of the "marked money" that was used in the operation.

Further investigation revealed that Langpaw has been supplying
marijuana bricks to drug peddlers in Manila for almost two years,
selling them for only P1,000 per brick. But he said the price could go
as high as P5,000 per brick when sold individually to drug users.

During interrogation, Langpaw also pointed to a drug trafficker based
in Mountain Province and Benguet as the source of the contraband.

He also disclosed that his source cultivates vast marijuana
plantations located at a strategic place in the "tri-boundaries" of
Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province.

But despite the continuous raids conducted by authorities, these
notorious but enterprising farmers continue to plant and cultivate
marijuana as their "better" and "profitable" alternative to
conventional vegetable farming.

The NBI said presence of armed civilian groups and elements of the New
People's Army who are allegedly receiving protection money from the
marijuana cultivators, plus the dangerous geographical terrain and the
limited operational resources pose the most difficult challenges to
government agents in the anti-illegal drug campaign.

On the other hand, Lasala said marijuana leaves are being sold by the
brick, while "hashish oil" - one of its better by-products - could
command a higher price than conventional marijuana.

He added marijuana is the second ranking dangerous drug being abused
in the country. He also said it is preferred by foreigners because of
its natural composition as compared to "shabu" which is composed
mainly of dangerously chemicals.

The NBI added Philippine marijuana bricks are being shipped to Japan,
Australia and the United States where local drug dealers could
negotiate for a higher price.

Meanwhile, Mantaring said Langpaw was charged before the Office of the
City Prosecutor of Manila for violation of Republic Act 9165,
otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act. The suspect is currently
detained at the Manila City Jail without bail. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom