ILLEGAL drugs trade in the Philippines has evolved into a billion-dollar industry in the past few years, according to the 2006 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) released recently by the US Department of State.

"The Philippines is a narcotics source and transshipment country. Illegal drugs enter the country through seaports, economic zones, and airports. With over 36,200 kilometers of coastline and 7,000 islands, the Philippine archipelago is a drug smuggler's paradise," according to the annual report, which is required by the US Congress.

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