THE price matrix of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" in Northern Mindanao has reportedly increased following the Duterte administration's all out war against illegal drugs, said an official from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
PDEA-Northern Mindanao spokesperson Rosemarie Bajao said on Monday, October 3, that the street price of shabu has skyrocketed at this time.
Bajao said in Bukidnon, shabu price ranges from P4,000 per gram to P22,000 per bulk.
In Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Occidental, shabu price is pegged from P4,500 per gram to P25,000 per bulk purchase.
For Misamis Oriental and Camiguin, the price of shabu ranged from P3,500 per gram but varies in bulk cost with P17,000 and P16,000, respectively.
The lowest price is recorded in Lanao area with P2,500 per gram and P12,500 per bulk.
"Sauna, makapalit gud ka sa Cagayan de Oro ug P1,500 before, with all out war on drugs karon halos double ang increase, (In Cagayan de Oro before, you can buy it (shabu) for P1,500 but with the all out war on drugs, prices have doubled)" Bajao said.
Bajao said the price fluctuates and varies in location and the market's consumption.
"Depende man gud sa consumer ug sa area pud like sa Lanao barato ra kay there are reports nga allegedly naa laboratory didto so barato gyud kay unay man, (It depends on the consumer and location like in Lanao where there are reports of a laboratory operating so the drugs are cheap)" Bajao said.
The price matrix is also affected with the law of supply and demand.
Bajao said their agency knows the shabu supply is scarce when the price skyrockets.
"Gamay ra man ang supply taas gayud ang rate kay daghan gapalit pero gamay ra supply and maglisod pa gayud sila og palit kay kabalo man sila sa campaign sa gobyerno," Bajao said.
Bajao said PDEA agents and operatives remain steadfast in going after illegal drug suspects with the cooperation of the police and other concerned agencies.
"Series ang atong operation and perminte atong pag-tie up sa uban agencies like sa Church nga willing makig-partner para sa intensive campaign that's why naa gitukod nga coalition composed of different sectors," Bajao added.
