WARNING UP VS DRUG SALES TO MINORS

DrugCheck Phils. Inc., the country's largest drug-testing center, has
called for increased vigilance against the sale of prohibited drugs to
minors, particularly students.

John Catindig, DrugCheck general manager, said, "The opening of the
schoolyear will provide drug peddlers a new and luxurious market. It has
been the observation of our company based on an extensive study of the drug
problem that one of the major demand routes of prohibited drugs is the
youth, specially those in schools."

Catindig added: "Drug peddlers are making a killing from the vulnerable
position of our youth. The relatively low street price based on small
retail quantities makes illegal drugs affordable and tempting to the youth.
Petty crimes are increasingly being perpetuated by juvenile offenders
because of their inclination to try the vice."

DrugCheck research reveals that shabu is sold in minute quantity worth
P100, while marijuana is readily available at P10 per tea bag.

Catindig said this situation "must be arrested the soonest possible time,
otherwise the best hope of our country might just turn up dependent on drugs."

"At the current street price of P100 and P10, it will not surprise us if a
significant number of high school students will turn to drugs. It is very
important to note that curiosity and peer pressure account as primary
reasons for teens to turn to drugs," he said.

DrugCheck has proposed a strong inter-agency task force composed of the
departments of education and health and the Philippine National Police and
a more comprehensive program to address the drug problem.

For its part, DrugCheck Phils., Catindig said, will link up with different
student groups to help fight the menace.