NCJ Number
190086
Date Published
September 1999
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper reviewed transnational organized crime in the Philippines.
Abstract
According to a recent survey, drug addiction was the second most important crime problem in the Philippines. The Philippines play three roles in the illegal drug scene: producer, exporter, and consumer of cannabis products (marijuana); importer and consumer of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and other regulated drugs; and transit point for heroin and cocaine. The Chinese Triads are mainly responsible for the smuggling of shabu into the country. Nigerian drug rings smuggle heroin from the Golden Triangle to the United States and Europe, using the Philippines as a transshipment point. Australian and Japanese drug syndicates smuggle cannabis from the Philippines to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. In addition to dealing with drug trafficking, the Philippines must confront firearms smuggling, smuggling of illegal migrants, illicit trafficking of women and children, illicit trafficking of motor vehicles, money laundering, and transnational economic crimes. The article recommended strengthening diplomatic relations, networking, and exchanging information and technology; forging extradition treaties among concerned nations; and conducting joint and coordinated patrols on common borders as parts of a cooperative effort in thwarting organized crime. Tables