Drug threat

Ben Contreras

THE Opium War, in a nutshell, is all about how Great Britain brought opium to China, turning many Chinese into addicts that weakened their society to the root. Concerned of the situation, one leader decided to put a stop to the importation of opium. Great Britain retaliated by sending the might of her navies that led to a humiliating treaty of allowing control of Hong Kong for 99 years.

Then it was opium. Today, it’s commonly “shabu.” The drug problem in the country, if not seriously addressed, will destroy our country.

Shabu can easily be manufactured, and does not need a big area. With so much money in this trade, they can easily rent a unit in a posh subdivision which is normally very private, and far from prying eyes.

Drug money buys off people from government officials to police and army. It may sound ridiculous but if the story is true that only 10 percent of the entire force of our police are not into drugs, then we have a real big problem.

Drugelated crimes are heinous. They are so heinous that victims and their loved ones would itch for putting the law in their hands.

A friend of mine talked of how a businessman laid off a number of his employees found positive for drug use, only to find out that three of the five new recruits were also found drug users.

Drug does not choose its victims. Man or woman, young or old, rich or poor, learned or uneducated, they all fall victims to the lure of alleged invincibility or special prowess once under the influence of drugs.

The dens in the city are known but the trade, and pot sessions continue. Why? It seems like everybody knows the answer but none would like to talk especially when those who are supposed to protect us are themselves into it.

The local government of Barra, Opol has been known in its drive against drug. But the problem persists.

I heard over the radio an accusation that some of those coming from mainland China are the ones behind the drug trade. But it should be easy to pinpoint who. All our authorities need to do is check what they were before and what they are today. Check their lifestyle and their businesses. And, of course, check their friends in the authority.

Take this problem lightly and the next victims could be your family, friends and loved ones.

• •

Buying a house in posh subdivision may be a good investment but one needs to take the “fine prints” in the contract seriously. Many contracts are voluminous that usually are taken for granted by would be buyers. Then it happens. Serious problems arise that need to be ironed out. Alas, somewhere deep within the “fine prints,” it says the developer is right.

How many mountains and hills were flattened to give way to housing? Were they tampered enough to withstand soil movement or erosion? Do they have water supply and power, too?

The next time you’re invited to a tour to these posh subdivisions, consider all the above. To regret would be too late!