PROLIFERATION OF DRUGS IN SCHOOL PROBED

BACOLOD City Police Office Director Pedro Merced vowed to look into
the increase in the sale of illegal drugs in some schools in the city.

Merced's pronouncement came after a first year student from Bata
National High School was caught in the act of smoking marijuana
inside the school's comfort room Thursday morning.

The 15-year-old boy (name withheld by Sun.Star) was brought to
Police Station 3 for questioning. It was there when he claimed that
an illegal drug trade frequently occurs inside their school premises.

With this, Merced ordered an intensified campaign against drugs
inside the schools in Bacolod City.

He cited the number of apprehensions they have made as a proof of
the heightened campaign.

Aside from school campaigns, the BCPO is also looking into the
reported Mindanao group, which is allegedly trying to bring in shabu
to the city.

Merced said the Muslim community strongly supports the Bacolod
Police drive against illegal drugs.

He added that all units of the Philippine National Police in Negros
Occidental are coordinating with each other to preempt the entry of
illegal drugs.

"All points of entry like the sea ports, terminals and airports are
well secured by our PNP personnel," said Merced.

The BCPO director also appealed to every citizen of this city to
help the Police in their campaign.