2011 High Conviction Rate on Drugs Cases Noted

LAOAG CITY, March 28 – The collaborative efforts of government authorities have led to the disposition of 43 cases at the Laoag City Prosecutor’s Office involving violations of R.A. 9165 or the dangerous drugs law.

Of the 43 cases treated by government prosecutors from 2009 to 2010, 23 or 50 percent were terminated either by conviction or acquittal while one case was withdrawn due to lack of probable cause.

The remaining 50 percent was either dismissed or failed to prosper in court.

City prosecutor Lourdes Layugan said of the 24 cases that were filed in court, 10 were convicted for illegal sale of shabu and six were convicted for illegal possession of marijuana and shabu.

The conviction rate for illegal drugs sale was pegged at 41.6 percent and 25 percent for illegal drugs possession.

On the other hand, acquittals totaled to 12 cases broken down as follows: three for illegal selling of shabu, three for illegal possession of shabu and two for illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

The rate of acquittal was 12.5 percent for illegal drugs possession, 12.5 percent for illegal drugs sale and 8.33 percent illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

Layugan said the battle against illegal drugs is done through the joint efforts of the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the prosecution.

The cases were heard and decided at Branch 13 of the Regional Trial Court, the designated court to try and decide on illegal drugs cases, with its presiding judge Philip Salvador.