Wayward ‘ninja cops’

EDITORIAL

If reports of the so-called “ninja cops” proliferating among the ranks of the Philippine National Police are indeed true, then the Duterte administration’s heightened battle against the illegal drug trade is in serious trouble.

“Ninja cops” are policemen or agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency involved in the recycling of illegal drugs confiscated during anti-drug operations. They not only exist in Metro Manila but in Cebu and other areas in the country as well.

These rogue members of the police force would either plant seized illegal drugs on their subjects in other operations to appear as evidence, or sell them to other drug dealers or users.

This prompted concerned sectors to call on the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to submit an inventory of the illegal drugs seized during the Duterte administration.

Former Rep. Antonio Cuenco, main author of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 had took thee  PNP and PDEA to task amid reports of the existence of “ninja cops.”

“It is alarming that we are beginning to uncover the existence of what seem to be law enforcers that are actively engaged in the drug trade, using the very contraband that they confiscate during the anti-drug operations,” said Cuenco, “it begs the question: Why are these still not destroyed, as RA 9165 requires that these are to be destroyed within 72 hours of receiving a court order to do so, following the prosecution case?”

The issue on policemen recycling illegal drugs has long existed, even prior to the Duterte administration, according to sources.And many are wondering why the PNP leadership and other concerned agencies have done little in the drive against these bad eggs of the police organization.

As long as these “ninja cops” continue to exist, the government’s intensified war against illegal drugs will never be successful.