Right under their noses

Twelve houses converted into drug dens and laboratories were raided by police from the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF). Nothing really new as it is the job of the AIDSOTF to fight the illegal drug trade, until you find out that the twelve houses raided were in the vicinity of Camp Crame, headquarters of the Philippine National Police. Thirty-three persons were arrested, including an active police officer, PO2 Ronaldo Baltazar and a former barangay official. An undetermined amount of shabu was found along with equipment to produce the same. The presence of an active police officer would explain the brazen act of putting up drug dens near Camp Crame. The rationale being it would be the last place the authorities would look. The former barangay official allegedly makes the drug den even more untouchable, as he knows the neighborhood and who he can trust. Good thing they were wrong.

It is good to know that there are still police officers who are true to their profession, their calling, which is to serve and protect. Although I doubt that this Baltazar is the only police officer involved in the drug trade. Twelve drug dens and only one corrupt cop? I don't think so. This has prompted an investigation to find out if there are more police officers serving as protectors and coddlers of these drug dens. I also believe that the neighborhood is feigning ignorance about the drug dens. They too must be investigated. Twelve houses in one vicinity, and they don't know a thing? Really.

Obviously, a syndicate is controlling these drug dens. Only a syndicate can afford to purchase the black souls of rogue policemen. This is what the PNP-AIDSOTF must find out and destroy. The illegal drug trade is a scourge to society. It has destroyed lives and broken up families. It must be stopped at all costs. And the fact that there are active policemen and barangay officials involved in it makes it much harder.

It is really sad that while many police officers are trying their best to clean up the image of the PNP along with restoring the trust of the public, we read of things such as this. PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez has vowed to go after and punish these criminals, no matter who they are. I hope so. If active police officers are involved in the drug trade, then you can expect this to be a large and powerful syndicate. If this is a pattern, then other neighborhoods near police stations must also be investigated. Chances are the authorities will find them operating right under their noses.

[email protected]