“There is no information even from the national headquarters on the existence and operation of a drug laboratory in Bohol.”

This was the categorical statement of Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt) Ricky Deliles on Monday, September 19, 2016 over DYRD “Inyong Alagad”.

Deliles also confirmed that not a single barangay (village) in the province fall under the category of a “seriously affected” barangay.

A “seriously affected” barangay, under the police category, identified with the existence and operation of a drug laboratory and drug den, according to Delilies.

The main mode of entry of drugs into Bohol used by drug traffickers, according to Deliles is done through the use of pumpboats disguised as fishing boats taking advantage of the more than 75 islets dotting the 261 kilometer coastline of the province.

Deliles expressed relief that, unlike other provinces, Bohol has no drug laboratory as perceived by some residents, to the credit of the vigilance of the Boholanos.

Under the police category of the extent of “affectation” of barangays in illegal drugs, of the 1,109 barangays in Bohol, 534 are “slightly affected” meaning there is at least one resident under the influence of illegal drugs, 553 are “moderately affected” defined as there are users and pushers in the community.

The mode of entry of drugs into Bohol, according to Deliles is done through smuggling using pumpboats disguised as fishing boats taking advantage of the more than 75 islets dotting the 261 kilometer coastline of the province.

The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) is now seeking the partnership of the Bantay-Dagat to augment the capabilities of the local police especially those in the coastal municipalities.

Several coastal municipalities in the province, despite their geographical locations were found by police authorities with barangays that were drug free such as in Loon, Anda, Garcia Hernandez, President Carlos P. Garcia and Getafe.

The town of Getafe, tagged as a haven for drug lords after top drug personalities were killed after their hideouts were raided by the police.

Big time Central Visayas drug lord Rowen “Yawa” Secretaria was killed in the island of Banacon, Getafe together with his cohorts on May 29, 2016. (Chito M. Visarra)

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