HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NABBED FOR PUSHING MARIJUANA

A 15-year-old high school student was arrested by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for selling marijuana to a poseur-buyer, following a buy-bust operation in Panabo City, Davao del Norte on November 22, 2011.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr., said that the arrested minor, a boy, whose name was withheld, will remain under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) while serving his intervention program.

Elements of PDEA Davao del Norte Provincial Drug Enforcement Office (PDEA-DNPDEO) conducted the buy-bust operation at Fronting Emergency Clinic, Barangay New Pandan, Panabo City.

The minor, who is a resident of Purok Alaska, also in the same barangay, was apprehended by the operating team, after he sold one small pack containing marijuana dried fruiting tops to an undercover PDEA agent. Also confiscated from him were another two packs of marijuana dried leaves and the 100-peso marked bill used as the buy-bust money. The total weight of seized marijuana is 10 grams.

The suspect is now temporarily detained at PDEA Regional Office 11 jail facility. He is now facing charges for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Gutierrez noted that more minors are getting involved in illegal drug activities. He attributed this to the drug syndicates’ ploy of taking advantage of Section 6 of Republic Act 9344, otherwise known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006. Said law exempts minors or children 15 years old and below from criminal liability. Evangeline DJ. Almenario, Chief, Public Information Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency