06 May 2010 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lauded the success of the "Operation Homerun", which resulted in the neutralization of an international drug trafficking organization. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-led operation took place in the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries. Working with foreign law and drug enforcement authorities, the operation led to the arrest of nine male Nigerians, one female Thai, one female Malaysian and two Filipinas, as well as the seizure of two kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin in China.

"This is the result of cooperation and coordination of Philippine government agencies and with authorities in our neighboring countries. It validates the organization of the Task Force on Drug Couriers (TFDC), which immediately scored a homerun just three months after being formed," DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Esteban B. Conejos Jr. said in a joint press conference with PDEA Director General Dionisio R. Santiago today. "Operation Homerun" was designed to identify and arrest the members and cohorts of an international drug trafficking syndicate operating in Thailand, Malaysia, China and the Philippines. It also hopes to rescue Filipinas who are exploited by the syndicate as "drug mules". It also emphasized the significance of educating travelers on the modus operandi in the recruitment of drug couriers and protect them against international drug syndicates. The PDEA-led operation started on March 17. The agency coordinated with their counterparts in the three other countries. "'Operation Homerun' was a success not only for the TFDC but also for the entire Philippine government. The task force will continue with its mission to deter, prevent and protect Filipinos from being victimized as drug couriers. We will deliver more 'Homeruns'," Director General Santiago said. "The operation shows our resolve and support in addressing the worldwide drug menace that victimizes our kababayans," Undersecretary Conejos added. On the recommendation of the DFA, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed last February 8 Administrative Order (AO) No. 279, which created the TFDC, tasked to prevent Filipinos being used as drug couriers by international drug trafficking syndicates. The TFDC is composed of the PDEA as chair; the DFA as co-chair; and the Department of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Immigration, the Bureau of Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Information Agency, the Manila International Airport Authority, and the Philippine Tourism Authority as members. END