PNP to impose ‘stiffer sanctions’ vs cops in drug recycling scheme

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday vowed to impose “stiffer sanctions” against policemen who would be found involved in recycling confiscated illegal drugs.

“The Philippine National Police supports the desire of President Rodrigo Duterte to impose stiffer sanctions against PNP members found to be engaged in recycling of drug evidence,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement, reacting to Duterte’s latest order to kill rogue police officers involved in the illegal practice.

READ: Duterte wants ‘crooked’ cops in recycling of drugs ‘killed’

Asked to specify what “stiffer penalties” could mean, Banac said it means PNP will “file criminal charges against police found engaging in drug recycling.”

For Banac, recycling of drug evidence seized from police operations is “certainly worse” than the crime committed by arrested suspects.

“Pilferage and recycling of drug evidence by members of law enforcement is certainly worse than the crime committed by drug traffickers and therefore should be treated differently, possibly with stiffer punishment,” he said.

Banac also encouraged the public to report police officers engaged in illegal activities.

Banac said PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde already reiterated that the police force is “dead serious” in its campaign to rid the agency of erring policemen.

“The PNP’s campaign on internal cleansing will remain relentless and we will not stop until all rogue cops are weeded out in our organization,” Banac said.

The issue about policemen recycling drugs was revealed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino during a Senate hearing on Monday.

According to Aquino, PDEA has been monitoring a Manila-based “drug queen” who purchases illegal drugs from “crooked” policemen.

READ: PDEA chief flags ‘rampant recycling’ of drugs

/kga