MODULE 3
CDI7: VICED DRUG EDUCATION AND CONTROL
I. OBJECTIVES
1. Explain the real-life situation of illegal drug in the Philippines
2. Analyze the Profile of typical Drug User
3. Identify the commonly abused drugs in the Philippines
II. MOTIVATION
1. What is the different between the shabu and marijuana??
2. Where the drugs hide by drug mules and drug couriers to transport illegal drugs in
the other places of the Philippines?
III. INTRODUCTION
At present, the illegal drug trade in the Philippine is considered a critical national, issue,
with methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as shabu) and marijuana as two of the most
used and valued illegal drugs in the country. For the last past few years, ephedrine and
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as ecstasy) are also among the list of illegal
drugs that are of great concern to the authorities (Drug Situation in the Philippines.
This module was designed to provide you fun and meaningful opportunities for guided
and independent learning at your own pace and time.
IV. LESSON PROPER
DRUG TRADE IN THE PHLIPPINES
ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE IN THE PHILIPPINE
The main issues of the Philippines government are the illegal trade of illegal drugs. It is
considered a critical national issue at the past few years; the common illegal drug is the shabu
and marijuana as two of the most used and valued illegal drugs in the country. In the face of this
mounting problem, the Philippine government has initiated measures to eradicate the supply of
and demand of illegal drug.
Marijuana Production
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the mountainous parts of
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are very viable marijuana cultivation zones. Marijuana created
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within the country is distributed regionally and is additionally exported to different countries. The
local distribution of illegal marijuana plantations throughout the country.
Shabu Production
Since 2010, drug syndicate are manufacturing meth in small-scale and kitchen-type
laboratories to detection by to prevent detection by Philippine authorities. Normally, drugs
syndicate rent warehouses to be used as their drug laboratories. These syndicate prefer renting
houses in private subdivision, condominium, and residential areas where they can establish
bases for their illegal drug production. Private properties have become favorable to drug
syndicates as sites of illegal drug production. Shabu continues to enjoy high demand in the
country than cocaine, which is a more expensive illegal drug.
Transnational Drug Trade in the Philippines
International drug syndicates view the Philippine as an excellent transit hub where they
can carry out their illegal drug trade. Some local drug syndicate are involved in the international
illegal drug trade, these syndicate use drug mules to move small amounts of illegal drugs to
various target countries. Due to the geographical make-up of the country, the Philippines is
being unceasingly used as transshipment conveyance hub of illegal drug traffickers both local
and foreign. The long shorelines of central and southern Philippines are typically used the as
the landing and/or entry points of illegal drugs from China (Philippine Center on Transnational
Crime [PCTC], n.d.).
Unfortunately, some overseas Filipino workers are also used by drug syndicates as drug
mules-either wittingly or unwittingly. In fact, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has
been known as an excellent illegal drug traffic hub. Today, the NAIA continues to be the popular
trafficking avenue for illegal drugs in tiny quantities ranging from one kilo to multi-kilo
transshipment by drug traders and drug mules. Reports indicate that drug mules often hide their
illegal cargo in secret compartments of their bags, shoes, books, or the garments they’re
waering.
Drug mules also place them within the bottom part of their bags, in their purses, shoe
boxes, bottles, small packages, and other objects. Other go as so as far as wrapping up drugs
around their body, undergoing minor surgery to place the drugs inside their body, or even
ingesting the harmful drugs to avoid detection. In previous reports, female drug curriers inserted
the packages into their privates, whereas male drug mules inserted the drug packets into their
anuses. These strategies are common yet dangerous ways of moving tiny amounts of drugs; a
courier may die if a f packet bursts before exiting the body.
Perhaps due to poverty, many Filipinos choose to be involved in drug trafficking owing to
the promise of a high financial gain. Some still participate in illegal activities because they are
forced by certain circumstances. There have been reports in the past that some Filipinos were
forced and blackmailed by drug syndicates to serve as drug couriers; their refusal would mean
that their family’s safety would be threatened [PCTC], n.d.).
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In a report published in 2009, the Manila-based firm, Pacific Strategies & Assessments,
identified the Philippines as not just a transshipment point but as a key producer or synthetic
drugs in all of Asia. On December 2013, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Special
Operation Task Force (PNP-AIDSOTF) confirmed reports that the Mexican Sinaloa consortium
had began operations within the country.
Factors that contribute to the rampant drug courier problem in the Philippines
Many Filipinos have fallen victim to syndicates’ promise of love/marriage, as recorded in
many arrests involving Filipina drug couriers. Other were by the chance to travel, the promise of
a comfortable life, and having a high-paying job and easy cash. In other words, the drug courier
problem may also be attributed to these factors:
1. Poor educational background
2. Rampant poverty
3. Easy money
4. Opportunity to travel
Commonly Abused Drugs in the Philippines
The commonly abused drug in the Philippines include shabu, methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) or ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine, and ephedrine. These are but some of the ordinarily
abused drugs within the Philippines. Recently, the drug problem has reached alarming
proportions. The increasing number of arrested drug traffickers; seizures of huge volumes of
dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals; and the dismantlement of
clandestine laboratories since the conception of the powerful PDEA show the extent and impact
of the drug trade and drug abuse problem within the Philippines [PCTC], n.d.).
The illegal trade of shabu has grown into a P1 billion-a-day business. However, the drug
has currently become more expensive; thus, it is no longer “the poor man’s cocaine,” according
to antinarcotics agents and international drug reports. The current street value of shabu in the
country ranges from P15,000 to 17,000 depending, in part, to the government’s success in
dismantling many clandestine laboratories throughout the country.
The worsening phenomenon of drug addiction in the country is demonstrated by relevant
data. In 1972, there were 20,000 drug users within the Philippines. In 2004, this figure climbed
to an astounding 6.7 million drug addicts throughout the country. Of all the available illegal
substances, shabu and marijuana are preferred by one in every 29 Filipinos aged 10 to 44 years
old. [PCTC], n.d.).
Profile of A Typical Drug User
Mean Age: 28 years old
Ratio of Male is to Female Users: 10-1
Civil Status: Unemployed
Educational Status: High School Level
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Average Monthly Household Income: Php 16, 290.80
Residence: Urban Areas
Duration of Drug Use: More than 6 years
Nature of Drug Use: Polydrug-use
Summary
In the face of this social problem, the Philippine government has initiated measures to
eradicate the supply of and demand for illegal drugs. Unfortunately, drug lords, drug pushers,
and international syndicates often avoid prosecution as they use their “dirty money” and invest
them into legitimate business.
Despite their best efforts, the law enforcers cannot do it alone; they need the help of
prosecutions, judges, local government officials, and even ordinary/civilian citizens. The
successful eradication of the prevalent drug problem must involve non-government
organizations, schools, churches, and all possible stakeholders who must do their share and
contribute to the battle against the drug problem in the country. By all means, the country
cannot afford to waste its future generation to drugs addiction. If the war on illegal drugs is lost,
them the future of this country shall be a bleak one.
V. ASSESSMENT
Direction: Answer the following, Write your answer on the answer sheet provided.
Explain each question in your own words.(Handwritten)
1. What is the drug situation in the Philippines?
2. What do you think is the most abused drug in the Philippines?
3. What are the factors contributing to the drug courier problem in the Philippines?
Take Note!
“Success is not about being gifted,
It’s about working hard!”
-Ma’am MJ
VI. REFFERENCE
Vice and Drug Education and Control (Hand Book) by PLTCOL LOURDES GURAL
CEJES, MBA, PMAJ MARGARITA LIBRES-ETIS, MBA
https://en.m.wikipedia.org
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PARTIDO COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION
Goa, Camarines Sur
STUDENT’S PROFILE
Name: ______________________________ Year & Block: _____________ Date Received: ____________
Address: ____________________________ CP #: ___________________ Date Returned: _____________
Assessment Task #: ___________________
CDI 7: Vice and Drug Education and Control
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