Narcs warn tourists: Beware of drug pushers

MANILA — There’s no rest for the wicked — especially narcotics dealers — on Holy Week. Or so says the Philippine National Police-Anti-llegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG).

In a statement sent to the media on Wednesday,  Chief Insp. Roque Merdegia Jr., the head of the PNP-AIDG legal and investigation division, warned vacationers taking advantage of the long holiday to remain wary in tourist areas.

“It’s common for drug pushers to take advantage of areas with many tourists to sell narcotics,” Merdegia said.

Too, Merdegia warned travellers not to accept baggage from strangers, or to leave bags unattended in airports, sea ports or bus terminals “because these may be exploited by illegal drugs syndicates.”

Merdegia reminded the public not to accept food or drinks from strangers, as drugs might have been slipped into the food items. Likewise, Merdegia advised the public not to leave their food unattended.

Senior Supt. Manolo Ozaeta, AIDG director, assured the public the AIDG would be deploying personnel to guard tourist areas against drug pushers.  SFM