ORETA HITS ECSTASY, 'POT' SALE AT CONCERT

Sen. Tessie Aquino Oreta urged the Philippine National Police yesterday to
investigate reports that marijuana and Ecstasy, both prohibited drugs, were
openly sold during a rock concert at an upscale mall in Makati last
Saturday.

She cited reports that several party goers were offered marijuana sticks at
P50 each, and Ecstasy pills at P2,000 each, by unidentified persons during
the concert. The reports also said that the air reeked of marijuana smoke
during the concert.

"It seems ironic that while President Arroyo has been conducting one photo
opportunity after another to demonstrate that her 'strong republic' is
yielding concrete results in the peace and order front," Oreta said, "drug
pushers reportedly were able to openly peddle marijuana sticks and Ecstasy
pills during the concert."

She expressed concern over these reports, saying that this "blatant
defiance" of the law shows that even small-time drug pushers are not afraid
to ply their illegal trade.

"This indicates a growing perception that the police are helpless in curbing
crime despite Malacanang's get-tough stance," Oreta noted.

She urged law enforces to implement tighter security measures during rock
concerts and similar gatherings to shield the youth from the nefarious
activities of drug traffickers.

She noted that drug traffickers usually tap the youth market, especially
during the school year, peddling prohibited drugs in small quantities to
make them more affordable.