Unified Efforts to Reduce Illegal Drug Supply
The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) recently convened with key law enforcement agencies to tackle the urgent challenge of illegal drug supply reduction across the country’s airports, land, and maritime entry points. This partnership aims to strengthen border security amid rising incidents of multi-billion peso drug shipments intercepted in coastal areas.
During the meeting, the DDB emphasized the critical role of this collaboration in addressing the increasing drug smuggling activities. The session united officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Bureau of Customs (BOC). Together, they aligned strategies to dismantle trafficking networks, intercept supply routes, and reinforce border control measures.
Key Agreements to Empower and Monitor
The discussion led to important agreements focused on empowering local government units (LGUs), enhancing policy frameworks, and improving monitoring and reporting systems. These steps are designed to curb illegal drug trafficking more effectively.
“This coordinated response reflects the government’s firm resolve to protect national borders and uphold security,” the DDB noted. They further stressed that clear operational direction and strengthened collaboration are vital for sustainable illegal drug supply reduction efforts.
Identifying the Syndicate Behind Drug Trafficking
The PDEA revealed that a notorious international crime syndicate known as “Sam Gor” is responsible for the recent multi-billion peso shipments of shabu found in the waters of Zambales, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Sur. PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez described Sam Gor as a “five-drug triad alliance” comprising groups like 14K, Bamboo Union, Big Circle Gang, Sun Yeen On, and Wo Shing Wo. Their leadership is based in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Locally, the syndicate is simply called “The Company.” Intelligence reports confirm that Sam Gor operates across multiple Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines. The group primarily traffics methamphetamine and controls an estimated 40 to 70 percent of the regional drug market, generating over $17 billion annually.
Community Cooperation Yields Major Seizures
In a display of courage and vigilance, 56 local fishermen have surrendered a combined total of 1,038 kilos of suspected shabu worth over P7 billion. These 40 turnover incidents occurred between coastal areas in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur, marking one of the nation’s largest maritime drug seizures in recent history.
Specifically, shabu packages washed ashore in Dacap Sur, Bani; Boboy and Macaboboni in Agno; Luciente I, Balingasay, Concordia, and Poblacion in Bolinao—all within Pangasinan province—as well as Barangay Mantanas and Dili in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. Additionally, 10 fishers in Bataan handed over shabu valued at P1.5 billion found off Masinloc, Zambales.
This multi-agency effort reflects a strong government commitment to dismantle drug syndicates and protect Filipino communities from the scourge of illegal drugs.
For more news and updates on illegal drug supply reduction, visit Filipinokami.com.