Marikina tries new approach in war vs drugs

The local government of Marikina City is trying a new tack in eradicating the illegal drug trade in the city.

Mayor Maria Lourdes Fernando is hoping that by "naming names" of suspected drug users and pushers arrested by the local police in its anti-drugs drive, the populace would be forewarned of the evils of illegal drugs.

Fernando started this month "naming names" of arrested drug users and pushers before some 2,000 employees during the weekly flag ceremony at the City Hall compound.

The lady mayor said the move is also aimed at assuring the people that her administration is serious in its campaign to clear the community of illegal drugs.

The local police Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) is spearheading the anti-drugs campaign, said Vice Mayor Marion Andres, the action officer of the Marikina Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC).

Since they started their heads-up anti-drug campaign, Andres said a total of 133 people have been arrested in 75 buy-bust operations that also netted 335 grams of shabu, marijuana and volatile substances. The new strategy, according to Andres, is gaining the confidence of the community due to the "political will" behind it.

Despite this positive development, however, Andres urged the populace to be more vigilant and extend the necessary help in the effort to further intensify the campaign.

"It is important to stop not only drug trafficking but also its crime related activities at the soonest possible time to prevent harm to life and loss of property," said Andres.