British man thought 'weed' was legal in RP

MANILA, Philippines - A British man arrested for possessing marijuana leaves over the weekend said he was not aware that the plant was illegal in the Philippines.

Adam Slade, 27, of Makati City, said marijuana leaves are considered to have “medicinal qualities” in Britain and its citizens are allowed to smoke it. He claimed there are several clubs in his country where its patrons are enjoined to smoke marijuana leaves.

Despite his protests, Slade was charged by assistant city prosecutor Teresa Escobar-Pilanes with violation of Section 11 of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for possession of marijuana leaves, a bailable offense.

According to Chief Inspector Froilan Uy, chief of the Manila Police District’s General Assignment Section, Slade was arrested by Sta. Ana policemen after marijuana leaves were found tucked in a pack of cigarettes that Slade offered the policemen, Uy said.

During his arrest, Slade’s Filipina fiancée told police that a lawyer would assist him but the counsel failed to appear until his inquest proceedings, Uy told The STAR. – Nestor Etolle