Marikina drug busts net 98 suspects

MANILA, Philippines - The Marikina police conducted 43 buy-bust operations resulting in the arrest of 98 suspected drug pushers and users during the past five months, officials said yesterday.

Police said the drug stings led to the seizure of at least P9 million worth of illegal drugs.

“Illegal drugs destroy lives. Let us work together in eradicating this menace. Our children deserve a peaceful and orderly city to live in,” Mayor Del de Guzman said.

De Guzman urged Marikeños to support the anti-crime drive being implemented by the local police.

Police attributed the success of its anti-drug campaign to community policing and “Oplan Tarheta,” wherein calling cards with hotline numbers 646-1631 and 0916-482-5774 are distributed in 16 villages in the city.

Authorities said drug pushing in the city is not a profitable business anymore owing to the intensified campaign against illegal drugs.