Meeting Manila's Crystal Meth Dealers (Excerpt from 'The Shab ...

0 ratings

Video Description

"At the start of 2015, Mexican national Horacio Hernandez Herrera, allegedly third in command of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in the Philippines’ capital, Manila, at the center of a 12 million peso ($255,000) drug bust.

Herrera’s arrest came as Philippine authorities confirmed that not only were Mexico’s cartels vying for a piece of the country’s rapidly growing drugs trade, but forming an alliance with Chinese syndicates to do so.

The Philippines drug of choice? Shabu: A local name for crystal meth, present in over 90 percent of the capital’s neighborhoods.

While shabu’s popularity has skyrocketed in the last decade — partly for its ability to allow the poorest of Filipinos to work longer hours — the drug's grip on Manila has reached crisis point, as unemployment rates remain high and the collusion of gangs with police and local government becomes an every day occurrence.

So, as Herrera awaits trial in the capital, VICE News takes a look at the Philippines drug trade. We visit the Tondo district of Manila, a port area overwhelmed by shabu, to speak to dealers defending their turf and police officers trying to contend with porous borders, stunted judiciary power, and – their most challenging enemy – corruption within their own forces.

In this excerpt, VICE News meets with the men behind a small-scale shabu operation in Manila, to explain how their business was borne out of a profound lack of opportunities, coupled with corruption in both the Philippine police and government.

Watch ""Crystal Meth and Cartels in the Philippines: The Shabu Trap” - http://bit.ly/1YN1wRL

Read ""The War on Drugs Isn't Just Destroying Lives — It's Also Killing the Environment” - http://bit.ly/1QS63mN

Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News

Check out VICE News for more: http://vicenews.com

Follow VICE News here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicenews
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vicenews
Tumblr: http://vicenews.tumblr.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/vicenews
More videos from the VICE network: https://www.fb.com/vicevideos"

Quotes

"The crash that comes along with these methamphetmeine type drugs, and the way it takes over your whole being. It's no longer worth it to me."

Mathew

MoreSend us your Quotes


Tips & Hints

  • Keep triggers and cravings in check

    While getting sober from drugs is an important first step, it’s only the beginning of the recovery process. Once sober, the brain nee...
    More
  • Reach out for support

    Don’t try to go it alone. Whatever treatment approach you choose, having a solid support system is essential. The more positive influ...
    More
  • Make a life change

    The first step to fighting addiction is to make a decision that it is time to make a life change. That life change will reflect your de...
    More
  • Regain Power

    Many addictions are undermined because we believe we are powerless to change the situation. This is not true! You do have the power to ...
    More
  • Look for help

    There are many groups and organizations available to help you overcome your addiction. Once you have set your mind to beating your addi...
    More
  • More Tips & Hints