China says it is a not a major source of illegal drugs into Philippines

September 26, 2017

China on Tuesday said it is not a major source of illegal drugs smuggled into the Philippines, stressing it tipped off Philippine authorities on a P6.4-billion drug shipment that passed through the Bureau of Customs earlier this year.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Manila said anti-narcotics cooperation between the Philippines and China has always been on a “good track”.

“Both sides agree that the law enforcement cooperation in drug control is of positive results,” it said.

“A series of successful cooperation in line with international practice of intelligence sharing and joint working, is against recent distorted reports with powerful facts,” it added.

Over 600-kilograms of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, shipped from China to the Philippines were seized on May 25 by local authorities, who acted on intelligence report from Chinese customs.

“The action prevents drug getting into Philippines, and fully proves the two countries’ law enforcement agency has strong determination to fight against drug smuggling, action without hesitation and efficient cooperation spirit,” the embassy said.

The contraband, delivered to the warehouse of a Chinese businessman in Valenzuela City, is the biggest shipment of illegal drugs so far into the country.

Investigations in both houses of Congress have proceeded and charges have been filed against customs officials before government prosecutors. President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the resignation of  customs commissioner, Nicanor Faeldon.

“The Chinese government has always adhered to the strict prohibition's combating narcotics-related crimes. As the new Philippine government, China holds ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards drugs in and out China,” the embassy said.

China vowed to step up “real-time information exchange, close case coordination, timely joint combat operations” to address drug smuggling.

It offered to provide the Philippines anti-drug training, test equipment and technical support in drug control.

“It is hoped that through the joint efforts of both sides, people can truly feel the strong determination of the two governments on narcotics-control, the multinational drug gangs will feel strong pressure from the two governments,” the embassy said. DMS