PHILIPSBURG--Concerned and drawing attention to the sale of “Funto” at groceries on the island, Eugene “Gino” Heyliger wants authorities to look into the sale of this drug as soon as possible. Heyliger said in a press statement on Sunday: “As an aspiring politician, it has come to my understanding that individuals and mini-markets in the community have been selling ‘funto.’
“It’s a leafy green substance sold in small sacks similar to ‘weed.’ There is even talk that some individuals are brave enough to sell this which could be considered weed. It seems everybody can come here and open up shop and sell whatever.
“Goods to be sold to the public need to be screened. Is this substance a public health hazard? It is my duty as a law-abiding citizen to let the people know that this will cause chaos in our youth. We can’t afford to continue losing one generation after the other.”
Police spokesman Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson said that as far as he knew, the tobacco-like substance was not illegal and therefore could not be controlled by police, but this was something that would be looked into.
Heyliger continued: “The corner grocer is becoming a threat to our communities rather than a convenience. It is so easy for under-aged youth to go into a corner grocery and purchase hard liquor. Now the corner grocer is selling ‘funto.’
“I am calling on the Community Police Officers to start investigating this trend. I call on the Inspectorate of Public Health to investigate this ‘funto,’ as it could be a public health hazard being sold to our people. We need to protect our people. There will be no peace if there isn’t justice.
“We need to have safe communities for our families and we cannot tolerate the sale of this product in our communities which are already suffering from various challenges.”
Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Karola van Nie said she would look into the matter and update the public on the sale of this so-called drug.
