Cops told to watch out for cocaine proliferation

CEBU, Philippines – The Lapu-Lapu City council has adopted a resolution requesting the police to intensify its campaign against the proliferation of cocaine in the city.

Last week, a pack of cocaine and some shabu were seized from suspected drug pusher Rolly Villanueva Lumapas, 27, in sitio Humay-humay, barangay Gunob while at his rented house in Lapu-Lapu City.

Lumapas's room yielded a medium pack of cocaine worth at least P30,000, four medium size packs and 50 small packs containing shabu, a .45 caliber pistol with seven bullets, and P500 in marked money.

The police believe the cocaine was part of the cocaine bricks found by fishermen in Eastern Samar. 

While several fishermen turned over the cocaine bricks to the authorities, not all were surrendered, it was learned.

According to Councilor Harry Don Radaza, the resolution's proponent, cocaine is an addictive narcotic drug obtained from the leaves of the coca plant, taken as stimulant.

Radaza said cocaine, despite having its free commercialization is illegal in all countries.

Its use remains widespread worldwide, he said.

Council members suspect that more drug pushers are distributing the cocaine dumped into the sea of Samar.

"It is commonly known that the use of this substance creates very harmful effects to individuals," the resolution said. (FREEMAN)