Abstract

Owing to the archipelagic nature of the Philippines, its numerous islands and expansive coastline provide an additional challenge to law enforcement authorities in securing points of entry against those who wish to exploit these in the smuggling of illicit drugs and substances into the country. With the aim of providing a springboard for a more in-depth study, this research covered basic questions on drug interdiction in airports and seaports, such as those relative to the concealment of illicit substances, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement authorities.

A purposive sampling method was used for the study, and sampling areas were selected according to their gross annual cargo tonnage and geographic location. The proponents also utilized key informant interviews in the conduct of the study.

In general, the study gave an overview of smuggling in the identified ports, the challenges the different agencies face, particularly in the insufficiency, if not lack of resources (i.e. manpower and equipment), and solicited recommendations from the respondents on how to improve drug interdiction in their respective jurisdictions.