MANILA, Dec. 4 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterates its warning to Filipino travelers not to allow themselves to be recruited by drug syndicates in carrying out their drug-trafficking operations. The warning is issued after the arrests of several Filipino travelers for possession of illegal drugs.
DFA in a statement said the most recent of these arrests took place in Ningbo, China involving a Filipino who was found carrying five kilos of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.” He was arrested at the airport while waiting for his flight to depart from Ningbo en route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The latest modus operandi of drug syndicates is to recruit travelers who would transport the illegal drugs out of China. The Filipino recruits travel to Guangzhou from Manila where African members of the drug syndicates give them packages containing the illegal substance. They are then asked to travel to Ningbo or Shenzhen where they are to take a flight to Kuala Lumpur. In at least two instances, minors where asked to accompany the Filipino recruits during their travel.
The DFA warns the Filipino traveling public that China imposes harsh penalties for persons convicted of transporting illegal drugs. Filipinos who are residing, working, or vacationing in China are advised to be cautious in accepting packages intended to be delivered back to the Philippines or to another transit destination like Malaysia.
The public is also advised to comply with pre-departure formalities being implemented by Philippine immigration authorities. These formalities are intended to ensure the safety of Filipino travelers and prevent the occurrence of illegal recruitment, people smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking cases. (DFA)