Operation vs illegal activities in Boracay intensified

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan, Philippines (PNA) - The Task Force Boracay has intensified its operation against illegal drugs on this resort island after receiving reports from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on the alleged lucrative illegal trade among drug pushers and users here.

PDEA recently arrested in Kalibo, Aklan a suspected drug pusher who confessed that illegal drugs come to this resort island from Manila through the use of a forwarding service.

For several years, the PDEA has been receiving intelligence reports that drug syndicates are using forwarding services to transport illegal drugs here. The agency admits however that it
faces difficulty in effectively tracing suspects.

PDEA, thus, is currently coordinating with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PPC) in drawing up a Memorandum of Agreement (MIA) to ensure that the trade of illegal drugs could not be transmitted through parcel services.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan Jetty Port administrator and a member of said Task Force, underlined that henceforth, all packages being delivered to this resort island will be strictly be inspected. The Caticlan Jetty port is the key entry and exit points of tourists coming to and from this resort island.

"A service desk will also be set up in Caticlan to serve as assistance center for tourists coming to Boracay," Maquirang said.

The Task Force is composed of the Aklan provincial government, the Malay government, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard among other entities.