Bilibid eyed as source of P.6-M party drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is looking at convicts at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City who are “new players” in the illegal drug trade.

PDEA obtained information following a sting in Mandaluyong City wherein it was found out the suppliers of the party drugs were from the NBP.

“We have detected new players based on our investigation. These are not well-known personalities,” PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said in a television interview over GMA yesterday.

He said these newcomers were recruited by other convicts who have been involved in illegal drugs.

“PDEA director general Aaron Aquino is coordinating with the NBP,” said Carreon.

Lester Almalbez, 35, and Gerald Penaflor, 26, were charged yesterday with possession and sale of illegal drugs.

Carreon said they expect to arrest more people who are involved in the sale of party drugs such as liquid ecstasy mixed with cocaine.

Around 1.6 liters of liquid ecstasy, with a street value of around P480,000, 70 ecstasy tablets worth P46,000 and six packs of cocaine worth P140,000, were seized from the suspects during the sting at Princeville Condominium.

Carreon warned people against using these types of drugs, which have effects similar to a synthetic drug called alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (alpha-PVP), also known as flakka.

The user will experience an increase in libido or sexual urge and hallucinations.

 “When the effect wears off, the user will not remember what happened,” Carreon said.

That is where the danger lies, according to Carreon, as the user could be abused by other persons.