Pubdate: Sat, 13 May 2000 Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines) Contact: Muralla corner Recoletos Sts., Intramuros, Manila Fax: 527-7534 Website: http://www.mb.com.ph/frntpage.asp 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Greg