More women involved in drug trafficking

MANILA, Philippines–After several women were arrested in separate anti-drug operations conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last week, PDEA said that more and more women are getting involved in illegal drug activities.

According to Director General Jose Gutierrez Jr., 674 female drug personalities were apprehended from January to present for being involved in drug trafficking either by buy-bust of search warrant operations.

“This figure comprises 13.3 percent of the 5,062 total drug personalities arrested,” Gutierrez Jr. added.

Last week, a mother-and-daughter tandem and their supplier were arrested in Iligan City after three sold sachets of shabu to PDEA agents disguised as buyers.

Suspects were identified as Lucita “Cita” and Jennifer “Epe” Alperito, and Anisah Macadato.

After two days, another female Kenyan national was arrested at the Mactan International Airport in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu for transporting three kilograms of shabu from Doha, Qatar.

The female Kenyan national, identified as Ashia Atieno Ogotu, 25 years old, is suspected to be a member of the African Drug Syndicate.

“The series of arrest of female drug personalities, both local and foreign nationals, indicates that the illegal drug trade is no longer a man’s world.  Women are fast becoming key players in the illegal drug business. Because women are less prone to suspicion by law enforcers, drug syndicates have exploited this inherent characteristic,” Gutierrez Jr. said.