Illegal drug trade in the Philippines

The illegal drug trade in the Philippines remains a serious national concern. Two of the most used and valuable illegal drugs in the country are marijuana and methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as "shabu".[1] Ephedrine and methylenedioxy methamphetamine are also among the list of illegal drugs that are of great concern to the authorities. [2]

Marijuana production

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency identified that the mountainous parts of Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Mindanao are viable for marijuana cultivation. Marijuana produced in the country is distributed locally and is also exported to other countries. Local distribution of marijuana increased in 2012 despite destruction of illegal marijuana plantations.[2]

Methamphetamine production

Drug syndicates have been producing methamphetamine in small-scale and kitchen-type laboratories to avoid detection by the Philippine authorities since 2010. Usually, drug syndicates rent warehouses for use as drug laboratories. These syndicates have moved towards renting houses in private subdivisions, condominiums and apartments to be used as bases for their illegal drug production. Private properties are becoming more favorable to drug syndicates as sites of illegal drug production.[2]

Methamphetamine remains more feasible to sell in the Philippines than cocaine, a more costly illegal drug.[3]

Transnational drug trade

International drug syndicates use the Philippines as a transit hub for the illegal drug trade. Some local drug syndicates are also involved in the international illegal drug trade, and utilize drug mules to transport small amounts of illegal drugs to other countries. Some overseas Filipino workers have been utilized by drug syndicates as drug mules, either knowingly or unknowingly. Most Filipino drug mules, mainly women, are sent to China, where drug convicts will face execution via lethal injection.[4] The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been identified as a favorable illegal drug trafficking hub. [2]

Some Filipinos choose to be involved in drug trafficking due to the promise of a high income. Some still participate in such illicit activity because they are forced by certain circumstances. There were reports in the past that some Filipinos, usually women, were forced and blackmailed by drug syndicates to work as drug couriers, and if they refused, their family's safety would be compromised.[5]

The Manila-based firm, Pacific Strategies & Assessments, identified the Philippines as, "not only a transhipment point, but also a key producer of synthetic drugs for all of Asia" in a report made in 2009.[6]

In December 2013, The Philippine National Police - Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force confirmed reports that the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel had started operations in the country.[5]

Extent

On Metro Manila, most barangays are being affected by illegal drugs.[1]

Trade value

As of 2013, the illegal drug trade in the Philippines amounted to $8.4 billion .[3]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ranada, Pia (January 5, 2016). "A look at the state of crime, drugs in the Philippines". Rappler. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Illicit Drug Trafficking". Philippine Center on Transnational Crime. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  3. 1 2 Dizon, David (26 December 2013). "World's most powerful drug cartel now in PH". ABS-CBNnews.com. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "Filipino drug mules". Al Jazeera. April 5, 2011. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  5. 1 2 Arcangel, Xianne (20 August 2013). "Pinoys still being nabbed for drugs abroad despite executions". GMA News. Retrieved 4 January 2014.
  6. ↑ Wilson, Karl (15 March 2010). "Philippines poll 'hit by drugs trade'". The National. Retrieved 4 January 2014.

External links

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