<P> Some Filipinos choose to be involved in drug trafficking due to the promise of a high income . Some still participate in such illicit activity because they are forced by certain circumstances . There were reports in the past that some Filipinos, usually women, were forced and blackmailed by drug syndicates to work as drug couriers, and if they refused, their family's safety would be compromised . </P> <P> The Manila - based firm, Pacific Strategies & Assessments, identified the Philippines as, "not only a transhipment point, but also a key producer of synthetic drugs for all of Asia" in a report made in 2009 . </P> <P> In December 2013, the Philippine National Police - Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force and the Philippine Drug Enforcement confirmed reports that the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel had started operations in the country . </P> <P> About nine Chinese drug cartels are involved on most illegal drug trade in the Philippines . The U.S. Department of State found out that Chinese drug cartels are behind the trade of methamphetamine hydrochloride on the Philippines . </P>

Present status of illegal drug trade in the philippines