Illegal drugs in RP is a P300B industry

Anselmo Avenido, Jr., Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) director general, yesterday said that the Philippine Illegal drugs is a P300 billion industry, with a good portion shipped to nearby countries in East and Southeast Asia.

Drugs syndicates operating in the country are composed of about 130 local drug groups and five international syndicates, according to Avenido.

Syndicates operating in the Philippines have a mix of nationals from Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, Macau and others. "In almost all shabu laboratories, we see the participation of foreigners," said Avenido.

"The reason is because there’s no adequate technology transfer here. The chemists that have the expertise in making the shabu are foreigners," Avenido added.