POLICE CONFIRM MUSLIM DRUG SYNDICATE OPERATION IN NEGROS

BACOLOD CITY—Negros Occidental provincial police director Supt. Geary
Barias confirmed reports that there are Muslim drug syndicates
operating in the province as earlier reported by San Carlos City
police chief Supt. Flomar Natuel.

Barias said that they have "long suspected" the syndicate in
trafficking of drugs reportedly coming from Lanao del Norte via Cebu.
He said that this was finally confirmed with the arrest of Aldulah
Asupre Tambelauan two weeks ago, which "validates the long report we
have received."

He added that they hoped to gain headway soon in their campaign
against illegal drugs admitting that he has not yet coordinated with
the Cebu City police.

Barias also said that although they have been monitoring the entry
points too, they are more concentrated on monitoring the activities of
the personalities that have been identified with the drug syndicate.

He also added that it would be very hard to distinguish Muslim drug
traffickers from those seeking refuge here in the province due to the
ongoing Mindanao conflict.

"We cannot discount the possibility that some refugees especially
those who are in the drug trade might have been bringing in drugs
already," he said, adding this was similar to Taiwanese drug
syndicates operating in Manila who bring in shabu instead of cash.