ILOILO City – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are stepping up its campaign against illegal drugs this Christmas season by curbing drug smuggling through the ports and high seas.
PDEA has established seaport interdiction units assigned in key seaports in the region and has entered into agreements with the sea authorities that empowered the inspection of all maritime transportation.
The antidrug agency said a marked increase in the demand for illegal drugs is expected this Christmas season because people have more money and a lot of parties take place.
On Dec. 16, PDEA K9 conducted and interdiction unit conducted random inspection at the cargo warehouse and baggage conveyors of the Kalibo International Airport in Aklan province.
Meanwhile in Iloilo City, PDEA conducted random paneling and profiling of passengers at the Iloilo Fast Craft Terminal located in Barangay Progreso, Lapuz district.
PDEA also conducted random paneling and profiling at Tumanda Wharf in Barangay Cabano, San Lorenzo, Guimaras last week.
PDEA national director General Aaron Aquino, said unmanned runways and private ports have become favorite landing spots for private airplanes, seaplanes and even yachts, loaded with bulk of illegal drugs.
PDEA’s on-going inspections aim to ward
off entry narcotics in the region and send warning to couriers that areas are
monitored regularly for any possibility of illegal drug transactions and this
holiday season. (With a report from PDEA
Region 6/PN)
