MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) launched on Tuesday an advocacy program to promote drug-free workplaces in Muntinlupa City, where authorities have confiscated large bulks of illegal drugs in previous operations.
The program, first implemented in Quezon City in February and replicated in Pasig City in March, engages the management of hotels, restaurants, bars, condominiums, subdivisions, warehouses, and security agencies to implement their own drug-free workplace programs.
PDEA chief Dir. Gen. Aaron Aquino presents to members of the media the 2 men recently nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Muntinlupa City. Noy Morcoso / INQUIRER.net
It is also aimed at instilling awareness on the modus operandi of drug syndicates in converting high-end subdivision residences, hotels, and condominium units into drug dens, chemical warehouses and clandestine drug laboratories, according to PDEA.
“Based on past PDEA operations, clandestine laboratories and storage facilities for illegal drugs were dismantled inside subdivisions and condominiums. Illegal drug transactions are actually happening discreetly inside hotel rooms, restaurants and bars,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said in a statement.
An activity was launched at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex to kick-off the program in the city.
Owners of business establishments were present in the event.
The PDEA said the program also compels business owners to conform to the requirements of the Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 8 Series of 2003 which mandates private establishments to adopt company policies against drug use.
The regulation also compels business owners to educate their employees on the effects of illegal drugs, and to conduct random drug tests.
On March 19, PDEA busted a storage facility of illegal drugs in a subdivision in Muntinlupa City.
PDEA agents recovered 82.2898 kilograms of “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P836.4 million.
On the same day, 45 kilograms of “shabu” worth P306 million were also confiscated in a buy-bust operation in a shopping center. /gsg
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