The government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign is zeroing in on the sources of the illegal substance.

The illegal drug trade is now operating under more sophisticated methods with the use of technology that allows implementation via online control.  This technology is familiar with almost everyone, so it is not surprising that the big guns in any illegal trade can still function even behind bars.  Although it is unlikely that there is Wi-Fi signal inside jail, it is not unlikely that verbal or written messages are passed from one person to the other, until it reaches one who has internet access and Wi-Fi signal. This scenario is not new, it’s been used in many movies, and mentioned even in casual conversations on the illegal drug trade’s operation under modern times.

On Nov. 11, President Marcos met with key officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Philippine National Police (PNP) to discuss a focused strategy on the fight against illegal drugs.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, in a briefing at Malacanang Palace on Nov. 12,  observed that, “for the longest time, we have been concentrating on the consumption side, arresting them on street levels, arresting them on crimes they committed on the buy-bust. This time, we are going heavy on the supply side, chasing after the big guns, the big suppliers, the main men involved in the importation of drugs.”

The President brought up the matter of the continued presence of high-value detainees in the Muntinlupa jail active in the illegal drug trade. Prompting the more aggressive action was the fact that the small-time seizures from illegal drug traders on the ground kept increasing.  Only the small time peddlers were getting arrested, Remulla said.

Illegal drug traders were also using more sophisticated methods of distribution and payment scheme. “They use crypto currency to hide their proceeds. So it’s a different war altogether,” Remulla said.

The DILG Secretary disclosed that the government has already identified those who are possibly involved in the large-scale drug trade within Bilibid. They are now being investigated — from jail guards up to their supervisors, he said. This includes 200 high-value detainees in Muntinlupa who are said to be “apparently still active.”

After the Senate hearings on the war on illegal drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte, this focused strategy to go after the sources of illegal drugs in the country is welcome news to the Filipino people.  The arrests of persons involved in the distribution of illegal drugs continue to be in the news almost every day.  All of them are considered small-time peddlers. Focusing the strategy to “going after the supply side of the war” should be pursued – especially after intelligence reports have identified them and their possible locations.

Stopping at least one big source of illegal drugs will mean less lives, mostly those of the youth, are destroyed or led astray.  It also means less conflict and despair among families with a son, daughter, sibling, or spouse who is a drug user.