The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Tuesday, February 19, said that the government has seized around P600 million worth of illegal drugs in the country’s waters in the first two months of the year alone.
PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino said that syndicates may be using the blocks of cocaines recovered in the waters of the country as a “diversionary tactic” to hide a bigger illegal drug operation and shift authorities’ investigation, reported Radyo Inquirer.
Aquino said that the discovery of the blocks of cocaines are “suspicious” as cocaine is less popular in the country for its expensive price.
Among the places where the illegal drugs were discovered include Camarines Norte, Siargao, and Dinagat islands.
The PDEA chief said that there may be larger shipments of illegal drugs, particularly shabu or crystal meth, that are being smuggled into the country.
“Isang anggulo [na tinitingnan natin] is they are trying to divert the attention of government forces para maipalusot ang mas malaking shipment, most likely shabu kasi iyon ang may market ng drugs sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Another suspicion that PDEA is investigating is the possibility of the Philippines being used as a “trans-shipment point” to deliver illegal drugs to other nearby countries.
