12 drug syndicates operating in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines - Twelve big time drug pushing syndicates are reportedly operating in Central Visayas, disclosed Cebu City south district Representative Antonio Cuenco in a press conference with Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Vicente “Tito” Sotto yesterday.

Cuenco said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the National Bureau of Investigation are now closely monitoring the 12 groups for the possible arrest of those involved in the syndicate.

But while it was not disclosed how many of the 12 are operating in Cebu, Cuenco said the groups have reportedly been operating in Region 7 for quite sometime already.

PDEA-7 Director Randy Pedroso, who was also present at the press con, said a new task force, which will be named Regional Inter-Agency Action Group — will be operational anytime soon and will focus solely on the fight against illegal drugs.

Considering that drug syndicates are reportedly treated on the same level as terrorism and national threats, Pedroso said the task force will be composed of personnel from PDEA, NBI, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Also yesterday, Regional State Prosecutor Fernando Gubalane yesterday announced that 10 big cases involving drugs that have been earlier dismissed because of misappreciation of evidence are now back in court. — Johanna Natavio/JMO (THE FREEMAN)