DILG to go after 'drug dive' operators

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) said yesterday it will also hold owners of “drug dive” – establishments where the habitual use and sale of illegal drugs is tolerated – liable for non-bailable offenses under the country’s drug law.

“Usually when law enforcers raid drug dives, only the people caught using drugs in such places are arrested,” DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno said. “But people forget that under the law, the owners of these dives are also liable. So we will get tough on these drug drive operators and we will be arresting them and charging them just like any other drug pusher with a non-bailable offense.”

Reports have it that many high-end bars and restaurants are used as venues for illegal drug trade but owners were not held liable for the illegal activities.

Puno said the DILG will issue circulars to inform local government units about the provisions under the law regarding these “drug dives” while the National Police Commission, which he chairs, will adopt a resolution spelling out the police operational procedures in raiding drug dives.

Under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, the penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million are imposed upon any person or group maintaining or financing “a den, dive or resort where any dangerous drug is used or sold in any form.”