GLORIA CITES DRUG CZAR - 20,000 PUSHERS ARRESTED

Kudos and Keep Up the Good Work.

The "anti-drug czar" of the Philippine National Police and his men received
a pat on the back from President Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday as she praised
them for their success in the campaign against drugs last year.

"The number of innocent lives saved by your cutting the illegal trade by
half is immense and I bid you to continue your good work," Mrs.
Macapagal-Arroyo told Deputy Director General Ricardo F. de Leon, chief of
the PNP's Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force.

De Leon also received a special citation from the President during the
ceremonies celebrating the PNP's 14th anniversary held at Camp Crame yesterday.

Another AIDSOTF officer, Supt. Eduardo P. Acierto, was given a plaque of
appreciation by the President for his role in neutralizing drug labs and
warehouses.

Last year, the AIDSOTF played a significant role in the arrest of 20,328
drug pushers and users nationwide. A total of 16,263 cases for violation of
Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were
filed against the offenders.

It also seized over P2 billion worth of shabu, its precursors and other
essential ingredients and laboratory equipment in coordination with the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Although saddled by lack of funds and personnel, the AIDSOTF last year
became instrumental in busting 15 drug laboratories and storage facilities,
some of which were found in Meycauayan, Bataan and Davao City.

Operating on a monthly budget of P1.5 million, the money goes to
administrative and operational requirements, particularly to conducting
surveillance on suspected drug lords and pinpointing hidden drug laboratories.