Romblon declared drug-free

MANILA, Philippines — Another province has been declared drug-free.

Romblon met the requirements for validation and declaration of its drug-cleared status, Raul Lasalla, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency deputy director general for operations, said yesterday.

Romblon is the second province declared free of illegal drugs after Batanes.

A province is declared drug-free if there are no more drug users, pushers and dens in the area.

Romblon is composed of the towns of Alcantara, Banton, Cajidiocan, Calatrava, Concepcion, Corcuera, Ferrol, Looc, Magdiwang, Odiongan, Romblon, San Agustin, San Andres, San Fernando, San Jose, Sta. Fe and  Sta. Maria.

Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) police director, said 47 drug suspects, including 13 “high-value” targets, were arrested in at least 35 operations since the government implemented an all-out war against illegal drugs.

Mayor said a total of 188,383.8 grams of shabu and 54.722 grams of marijuana were also seized.

He thanked the police, local chief executives, government agencies and residents for their contributions in making Romblon free of the drug menace.