The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is closely monitoring candidates and political organizations who might be supported by drug syndicates in the May 14 elections.

Supt. Rolen Balquin, PDEA regional director, said yesterday that there are reports that drug syndicates are financing the candidacies of some bets in Western Visayas, but not in Negros Occidental. Balquin said the report could have been fabricated by the opponents of candidates, but added, that they will continue to validate the claims.

PDEA records show that there are six local drug syndicates operating in Western Visayas.

Balquin said they have also noted a slowdown in the entry and sale of prohibited drugs in Region 6, which he attributed to the scarcity of its supply all over the country.

The PDEA noted that drug peddlers have resorted to the sale of marijuana, which sources traced to have originated from northern Luzon and some areas in Cebu and Mindanao.

The volume of shabu and other prohibited drugs confiscated by PDEA agents is minimal because of its scarcity.

Balquin also warned against the proliferation of adulterated shabu, which may lead to the death of users.

PDEA records also show that many arrested drug pushers convicted for violation of RA 9165, known as the amended anti-drug law, were sentenced to a minimum of six years to life imprisonment in previous months.*GPB

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