MANILA – The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) is ready to undertake a scientific study to determine the real nature and extent of the country’s problem on illegal drugs.
In a statement, DDB chief Catalino Cuy said the study will be a census, instead of a survey, to provide a real picture of the drug situation.
Reports from all law enforcement agencies and intelligence information will also be included and integrated in the data analysis.
“What we want is an actual census to provide the real picture of the drug situation in the country,” Cuy said. “There were previous studies with similar intentions but the results of which did not include data from law enforcement agencies.”
He added: “This time, we will make sure that these will be included and integrated in analyzing data and coming up with statistical figures.”
The census, according to the DDB, will be done with the help of the Philippine Statistics Authority.
DDB chief said talks have already begun between the DDB and PSA for the execution of the census.
He thanked the Office of the President and the Senate for upholding the DDB’s mandate to conduct studies to determine the nature and extent of the drug problem. (PNA)
