CEBU CITY, Philippines–For Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 7 (PDEA-7) regional director Levi Ortiz, the intensified implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP) is an effective tool in their fight against illegal drugs in the region.
Ortiz said that in January 2021, the agency was able to conduct nine high-impact anti-illegal drug operations in the region that resulted to 20 arrests. Five operations were in Cebu City, which led to 16 arrested drug personalities. 2 of the 5 operations in Cebu City were dismantling of drug dens.
“We believe that BDCP is the most effective program to address the drug problem in the country,” Ortiz said.
BDCP is a nationwide program that is aimed at addressing the drug problems in the country. According to Ortiz, this program also aims to help barangays in the city become drug-resistant and self-policing communities.
As per the data forwarded by PDEA-7, in January 2021, their regional operations resulted in the confiscation of 739 grams of ‘shabu’ worth P 5,025,200 and recovery of assorted tablets worth P 2,367,712.82.
RD Ortiz asserted that dismantling of drug dens are also significant operations as they consider these as breeding grounds of criminality.
With their operations, Ortiz also highlighted their 3-pronged approach in reducing drug affectation. These are supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction.
PDEA-7 said it will continue to use this strategy in the coming months.
/bmjo