By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has expressed concern over injectable liquid shabu reportedly being peddled on social media. Based on a press release from the regional office, PDEA Director Aaron Aquino issued a warning after agents seized a total of 10.4 millimeters of illicit substance in Mandaluyong City.
Aquino said buyers usually make contact through text message, along with voice or call messaging applications on social media, to place orders for the illicit substance. He added, a single syringe containing 20cc of liquid shabu costs around P1,000.
The PDEA director pointed out, liquid shabu is becoming popular among drug users as it is produced faster and produces an enhanced high since it can be taken intravenously. Meanwhile, the drug is also lethal if taken in excess, while shared needles can spread contagious diseases such as the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.
Aquino also said drug dealers have become more brazen by publicly advertising and selling their illicit products online. However, he assured PDEA will be “relentless” in stopping the method of drug trafficking./DGB, WDJ