DRUG CASES SEEN TO DROP

THE country's drug problem will be minimized after the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is signed, said Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella.

Puentevella told Sun.Star Bacolod, illegal drug pushers, traffickers and
users, on whose possession, at least 10 grams of cocaine, heroine and
ecstasy, or 50 grams of shabu and marijuana, shall be confiscated, will face
the maximum penalty of death.

"I hope younger generations will now avoid drugs," he said.

The solon, one of the co-authors of the law, further said, if the government
will not impose a heavier penalty, the drug problem in the country will not
be solved and younger generations will continue to suffer.

Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, vice-chairman of the House committee on
dangerous drugs, had earlier described the amended law as the "toughest law
in Asia."

Zubiri said there are some provisions in the bill which safeguards it from
those who want to take advantage.

The statute also punishes with death law enforcers who are caught planting
illegal drugs as evidence.

Those who will be caught with less than 10 grams of illegal drugs will face
15 to 20 years of imprisonment.

The government will also destroy the sacks or tons of drugs which will be
recovered by the apprehending agencies after they get the necessary
evidences to prosecute the suspects.