The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has arrested three alleged members of a transnational crime syndicate linked to the importation of almost two tonnes of illicit drugs into Australia.
Since last year, Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers in Manila have provided intelligence to PDEA regarding alleged connections to Australian methamphetamine and cocaine import investigations.
Four consignments seized in Australia in the past 18 months were linked to several suspects and two premises in Manila. A total of 1.5 tonnes of methamphetamine and 450 kilograms of cocaine were sent from the Philippines.
Last month, the PDEA executed search warrants at two Manila properties and allegedly discovered a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory there.
A total of 22 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, 770 grams of cocaine, precursor chemicals, equipment for making drugs, mobile phones, several identification cards, and financial documents were seized.
Three men were arrested and later charged with criminal charges by the PDEA, one of them is a French national, aged 41; the other is a Canadian, aged 33; and the third is a Filipino, aged 42.
According to the PDEA, the value of the methamphetamine seized was near $4 million Australian dollars or 149,600,000 million Philippine pesos.
In August 2021, the AFP acquired intelligence based on drug shipments seized in New South Wales, where drugs were hidden in industrial machinery.
Approximately 15 million street-level deals could have been sold of the methamphetamine seized in Australia, while approximately 450,000 individual deals could have been sold of the cocaine.
The actions by the AFP and partners saved the Australian community about $903 million in drug-related harm, including crime, healthcare and productivity losses.
Police Superintendent Andrew Perkins, Senior Officer of the AFP in Manila, congratulated the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on a significant achievement.
“Organised crime groups may think they can avoid police scrutiny when they operate across multiple countries – but they are wrong,” Det-Supt Perkins said. “This operation again highlights how law enforcement agencies share intelligence across borders to cause maximum damage to these transnational criminal networks.
“Illicit drug use in Australia bankrolls dangerous and brutal criminals who undermine our national security and our economy and make our suburbs and roads less safe.
“The Australian Federal Police has members in 33 countries around the world, and we will continue to use our international networks to ensure drug syndicates do not profit at the expense of our communities.”
Deputy Superintendent Perkins said investigations into the drug trafficking network are ongoing, as are inquiries into where the drugs came from.
According to a spokesperson for the PDEA, the men charged have ties to drug trafficking rings in Mexico, Australia, and Canada.
“Transnational drug syndicates damage the safety and economy of any country they operate in,” the PDEA spokesperson said.
“We will allege this group was manufacturing methamphetamine in a residential neighbourhood without any regard for the welfare of children and adults living nearby.
“We will not allow the Philippines to be a safe haven for criminals; we are working with our international partners to make our country a hostile place for anyone involved in the illicit drug trade.”
Philippines authorities have charged the men with:
- One count of manufacture of dangerous drugs in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (PH). The offence carries a life sentence;
- One count of possession of dangerous drugs in violation of section 11 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Life imprisonment is the penalty for the offence;
- An offense of possessing dangerous drugs equipment, instruments, apparatus, and paraphernalia in violation of sections 12 and 13 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Philippines). There is a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment for this offence.
People can access support and information through the following services.
- Contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline at 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services.
- Online drug and alcohol counselling is available 24/7 at counsellingonline.org.au.
- Visit turningpoint.org.au for information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
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