PDEA steps up crackdown on drug-dealing foreigners

“FOREIGNERS” were found to be greatly involved in the spread of illegal drugs in the country. In 2016, a total of 112 [foreigners] were arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

This was the assessment made by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. (PDEA) Director General Isidro Lapeña on Tuesday, saying the agency has continued to tighten its monitoring of foreigners involved in illegal -rug activities.

Foreigners “arrested for drug- related offenses nationwide more than doubled to 79 six months nabbed,” Lapeña added.

Of the apprehended foreigners, Chinese still dominated the list with Hong Kongers and 7 South Koreans.

The rest are other Asians, Americans, Europeans and Africans.

“Out of the foreigners arrested percent were Chinese. They were either pushers, possessors, couri Lapeña said.

involved in the Philippine drug trade, PDEA and the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry Republic of China signed a “Protocol On Cooperation” on October suppress and control drug crimes between the two nations.

The protocol will be effective

“The PDEA has stepped up its campaign to pursue foreigners responsible for the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the country. This led to their eventual arrest through high-impact operations, including the dismantling of clandestine laboratories used in the manufacture of shabu, chemical warehouses, prevention of drug and high-volume seizures through buy-busts,” Lapena said,