Navotas City vows to step up efforts vs illegal drug trade

[wpgmappity id=”977″]

MANILA, Philippines–The Navotas government has vowed to step up its efforts to stop the illegal drug problem in the city.

The Navotas Anti-Drug Abuse Council has called on the city’s barangays (villages) to draft and constantly update watch lists of persons allegedly involved in illegal drug trade in their respective areas.

Mayor John Reynald Tiangco, who also heads the council, said it is important that barangay officials are involved in the anti-drug campaign, because it is they who know their residents best and can coordinate efficiently with law enforcement officials.

He added that the residents should continue sending in anonymous tips about drug dealers and peddlers to the city government’s hotline.

Meanwhile, Navotas City Police chief Senior Superintendent Conrado Gongon said that the city police will continue implementing patrols to catch any illegal drug users and peddlers.

The NADAC reported that a total of 132 individuals involved in the illegal drug trade have been arrested this year, through a mix of anonymous tips and through police patrol operations.