Why the Philippines remains a hotspot for transnational drug syndicates

AI Summary

Drug syndicates in the Philippines remain active despite decades of enforcement focused on street-level dealers. Former officials and security analysts say regional suppliers, financiers, maritime routes, and distribution networks have largely escaped disruption.

Transnational drug syndicates in the Philippines continue to thrive despite decades of crackdowns targeting street-level dealers, with analysts warning that regional suppliers, financiers and trafficking networks have largely eluded enforcement efforts. Former drug officials and security analysts say the country’s drug trade remains closely connected to a wider regional supply chain, with criminal groups relying on local partners, maritime routes and established distribution networks to move...