PDEA, BOC to forge pact vs smuggling of illegal drugs

SMUGGLING THROUGH LIFTER. A PDEA agent shows reporters how 500 kilos of “shabu” (crystal meth) hidden inside a magnetic lifter slipped past customs inspection. INQUIRER/EDWIN BACASMAS

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) are set to sign an amended Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to address illegal drugs smuggling into the country.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and newly-appointed BOC chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero discussed in a meeting coordination efforts to “effectively address drug trafficking or the possible entry of drug contrabands, including importation of Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals (CPECs).”

According to Aquino, included in the planned MOA will be the conduct of workshops for personnel of PDEA and BOC, as well as the drafting of work plan schedules and regular inspections of goods at Customs by PDEA.

Aquino said PDEA tapped BOC for the initiative to curtail drug trafficking into the country citing the agency’s vital role in preventing the entry of illegal drugs. The PDEA chief also noted BOC’s experience in identifying and tracking suspected shipments.

“PDEA, as the lead agency in the national anti-drug campaign, continue to strengthen its relationship with its partners and counterparts for a more resolute, wide and all-encompassing effort to address the drug problem which is one of the most serious problems facing our country today,” Aquino said in a statement on Wednesday. /kga