Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Drug Courier Briefing

Niño Miko L. Delfin reported that the Philippine Information Agency, Kalibo, Aklan with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency held a "Briefing on Drug Couriers" on Friday, April 15, 2011 at Infant Jesus Academy Function Hall. The briefing was geared to diminish if not stop Filipinos, from becoming drug couriers and prevent their executions abroad due to illegal drugs.

Atty. Ma. Janet C. Mesa, Regional Director, PIA 6 gave the rationale of the briefing who said "this briefing aims to educate our people on how risky to be a drug courier. The hardest thing on this is that, we are going to be penalized by the law of the other countries. We still have Filipinos abroad who are endanger for execution."

After her, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency presented the modus and ways of drug trafficking. They also presented the statistical records of the victims and the reasons why they prefer Filipinos to do it. Then Mr. Odon Bandiola Sanguniang Panlalawigan Secretary gave a message in behalf of Hon. Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, Vice Governor.

Before the briefing ended, the participants asked clarificatory questions to the speakers. The briefing was attended by different sectors namely, the PNP, different offices of government, LGU’s, members of the media and other concerned citizens.

The Prize of Illegal Drug Couriers

In 1993, there were only 2 drug courier cases recorded. These increased to 689 in January 2011. Of these 689 cases, 431 or 63 percent are females, while 258 or 37 percent are males.

There are 78 drug couriers who are currently facing death penalty in China, six (6) of whom are facing death penalty with no reprieve and 78 with two year reprieve each.

These 689 drug courier cases are distributed as follows: 326 are in Asia and the Pacific, 86 in the Middle East and Africa, 152 in the Americas and 15 in Europe.

Their method of drug concealment varies from hidden in luggage/suit cases – 31 percent, by ingestion/swallowing – 19 percent, placed in books/bottles/pockets – 7 percent and other ways like placing in shoe boxes – 43 percent.

Among the types of drug seized are heroin – 64 percent, shabu, cocaine, marijuana, 1 percent each and unspecified types – 27 percent.

There are seven countries identified as the point of origin of the illegal drugs.

They are Malaysia – 24 percent, Macau – 8 percent, Thailand – 7 percent, Nepal and the Philippines 6 percent each, Vietnam – 5 percent and 44 percent from other countries. The principal destinations of these illegal drugs are 90 percent – China, 9 percent – Hong Kong, and one percent for Taiwan.

About two thirds (431) of these drug couriers are women while one third (258) are men. They are either displaced OFWs or still searching for a job abroad.

Some are well educated but their greed for easy money makes them victims. Those poorly educated are easily lured to carry the illegal drugs.

To cajole those probable drug couriers, they are offered plane tickets and US$2,000. They are met via the internet, on casual acquaintance. Some potential recruits are befriended and sometimes offered marriage.

Only last month, 3 Filipinos were executed in China for being illegal drug couriers. They are Sally Villanueva, Ramon Credo, and Batain. /MP