Coordinated drive against drugs ‘critical’

NOBLE

A COORDINATED campaign is critical to eradicate the illegal drug menace in Cebu, the province’s new police chief said yesterday.

“We need to coordinate (in order to be successful in our campaign),” said Senior Supt. Eric Noble who assumed as Cebu provincial police chief last October 3.

The Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) used during this year’s elections was reactivated as the government continues its relentless campaign against illegal drugs.

“This (JPSCC) is like a fusion center. We want to show that here in Cebu, the agencies are working to combat illegal drugs,” he said.

Part of the discussion, Noble said, is how to reintegrate drug surrenderers to the community.

Due to lack of rehabilitation centers, he said community-based rehabilitation is being pursued by some local government units to help drug users get rid of illegal drugs.

“We will monitor and help them as they try to change their lives,” Noble said.

He said he’s grateful for the support of the Cebu provincial government led by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III.

Based on records of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, about 33,571 drug users and pushers surrendered to the police from July 1 to October 6.

At least 777 persons were arrested in anti-illegal drugs operations, while 49 drug suspects were killed in what police said were legitimate operations.