Pubdate: Thu, 28 Sep 2006
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2006
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Sandy Araneta

PDEA TEAMS ON ALERT VS 147 DRUG SYNDICATES

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed  yesterday 
teams have been closely monitoring seven  international and 140 local 
drug syndicates believed to  be operating the P700-billion drug 
industry in the  country.

Superintendent Franklin Gabriel, information officer of  the PDEA, 
said their agents, together with other law  enforcers, are keeping 
watch on airports and seaports,  where members of the syndicates could enter.

"There are seven transnational and about 140 local drug  syndicates 
in the country. These are the groups the  PDEA is monitoring," 
Gabriel said during yesterday's  weekly Fernandina Media Forum held 
at Club Filipino in  Greenhills, San Juan.

The said they are closely motoring, together with other  government 
authorities, ports of entry such as  international airports and 
seaports, where these  syndicate members could enter.

The police are also monitoring shorelines where  syndicates could 
dump illegal drugs.

"We are doing everything so we can stop this illegal  trade," Gabriel 
said, noting most of their information  were given to them by foreign 
authorities, local and  barangay officials, and intelligence groups.

"We are validating the information through actual  operations," Gabriel said.

He said the seven transnational syndicates involve  Chinese and 
Taiwanese groups.

Gabriel said the Philippine government is also  coordinating with 
foreign governments.

"We are trying to find out through our intelligence if  the seven 
syndicates have a set up bases here," he  said. "We are also finding 
out if they have links to  terror groups."

PDEA has also looked into possible involvement of the  groups in 
human trafficking and money laundering.

He denied that a loyalty check is being conducted at  the PDEA, but 
admitted that they are checking all  information they have been 
receiving, including those  involving policemen allegedly selling drugs.

PDEA admitted one of their officers were involved in  the sale of shabu.

SPO4 Glen Logan, chief of the PDEA Internal Affairs  Service (IAS) 
and lead investigator in the theft of  shabu from their evidence 
room, has been arrested for  selling illegal drugs.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine