EPD: No ‘tiangge’ but drugs still a problem

Police officials in the eastern part of Metro Manila have ruled out the existence of any “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) “tiangge” (flea market) in their area of jurisdiction despite an admission that the proliferation of illegal drugs remains a problem.

This was one of the findings in an assessment report made this year by the Eastern Police District (EPD) of the drug situation in the cities of San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Marikina.

“From July to November, we received no reports of existing shabu tiangge or laboratories operating in our area,” Superintendent Elmer Cereno, EPD anti-illegal drugs unit chief, said in an interview.

His unit was earlier tasked by EPD head Chief Supt. Francisco Manalo to keep tabs on the illegal drugs problem in the four cities.

In police parlance, a shabu tiangge is an area where drug users and pushers conduct business just like in flea markets.

“There are no reported tiangges but we cannot discount the fact that the proliferation of illegal drug trade is still the problem of the district,” Cereno said.

Cereno said that from January to November, their unit arrested a total of 500 people, some of whom were women, for their involvement in the drug trade.

“We have sought the help of the local government units in combating illegal drugs,” he added as he stressed that they need additional resources to augment their meager intelligence fund.

“Every police chief should coordinate with local government officials to formulate policies or ordinances that will help the members of the anti-illegal drugs unit, particularly through financial and legal assistance,” Cereno said.

Meanwhile, 37 drug operatives from different police units tested negative for substance abuse based on the results of a surprise drug test conducted recently by EPD officials.

Cereno said the surprise drug test was part of the Philippine National Police’s campaign to ensure drug-free police stations and help boost their credibility in the fight against illegal drugs.

In February 2006, police teams raided Mapayapa Compound in Pasig City after they received information that it had become a major source of shabu in the country.

More than 300 people were arrested during the operation while more than 200 were later charged for violating the antidrug law.

The compound was located just a few blocks away from city hall.