HANOI (Vietnam News/ANN): The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced that it will intensify monitoring measures to fight illegal drug smuggling, a major rising issue in the country.
The order was issued by PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan after its force recovered 122.7 million pesos (US$2.2 million) worth of suspected cocaine in the waters off and shorelines of central and southern Philippines this month.
Gavan requested the personnel to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and strengthen local fishermen networks for enhanced anti-illegal drug operations and a more robust monitoring system in case of suspicious or unauthorised activities at sea.
On March 11, the Philippine National Police said it was strengthening the coordination with its foreign counterparts and conducting more patrols to curb drug smuggling.
In the Philippines, illegal drug smugglers often dump at sea the contraband, which could be washed up at seaside communities or end up in the nets of fishermen. - Vietnam News/ANN
