Leyte police stalls Espinosa drug group’s return

TACLOBAN CITY, April 17  -- The provincial police has stepped up its monitoring against the entry of illegal drugs into Leyte, following reports that remnants of the Espinosa drug group have resumed their operation in the province.

Senior Supt. Norberto Tuazon, Leyte Police director, said Monday they are still validating reports that the illegal drugs trade is gaining traction due to the regrouping of former drug group members in Albuera, Leyte, the hometown of self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

Kerwin, now detained at a facility of the National Bureau of Investigation, is the son of slain Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa, who was killed in a raid inside his detention cell on Nov. 5, 2016.

The Eastern Visayas Police has reported that the Espinosa group was supplying 30 kg. to 50 kg. of shabu every month in the region and nearby areas during Kerwin’s “heyday”.

Tuazon said they have been closely monitoring terminals, ports, airports, night clubs, and other establishments to prevent the recurrence of illegal drugs.

Leyte is merely a transshipment point for illegal drugs since they have not monitored the presence of laboratories in the area, Tuazon said in an interview.

He noted that the strict enforcement of anti-drug laws and successful implementation of the war against drugs have resulted in a significant drop in illegal drugs in Leyte. (JB/PNA)