COOPERATIVE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING

THE drug trafficking route in Asia-Pacific, particularly in Southeast
Asia, is known and has been the subject of countless studies. Across
the region, one sees the drug syndicates operating with impunity
trafficking in drugs such as methamphetamine hydrochloride, known
popularly as ''shabu.''

Recently, another drug has become popular among the younger set, the
libidostimulating drug called "ecstacy." Law enforcement agencies in
the country and in the rest of the Asia-Pacific region have been
communicating with one another, resulting in a tempering of the
trafficking.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Singapore Central
Narcotics Bureau (SCNB) have drawn up a special arrangement, including
the sharing of intelligence information between the PNP and the
Singapore Police against regional drug syndicates and holding of joint
training exercises and possibly joint police operations. While rates
of drug use have not gone up to alarming levels in Singapore, SCNB
authorities have noted an increase in the use of shabu and ecstacy. In
the Philippines, the PNP's AntiNarcotics Group, the Criminal
Investigation and Detection Group and the Presidential Anti-Organized
Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), have scored big in their anti-drugs drive.
The biggest seizure so far this year was some 400 kilos of shabu in
Ilocos Norte by PAOCTF from three agents of the PNP Maritime Group.

The drug menace is a global one. Partnering with authorities from
other countries, such as the joint effort of the PNP and the SCNB,
adds a new dimension to the continuing battle against drugs.