Anti-illegal drug agencies eye 100% conviction rate

The AIDSOTF is gunning for a 100 percent conviction rate in the illegal drugs cases that it files, from their usual 75 percent batting average.

MANILA, Philippines–Law enforcement agencies are gearing for higher conviction rates in illegal drug cases after President Aquino signed a new law amending Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the 2002 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

In separate statements, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force (AIDSOTF) welcomed the passage of RA No. 10640, which modifies Section 21 of RA 9165 on the custody and confiscation of illegal drugs.

The AIDSOTF is gunning for a 100 percent conviction rate in the illegal drugs cases that it files, from their usual 75 percent batting average.

“We are optimistic that with this amendment, we will have a higher conviction rate. There is no more reason for acquittals. If it happens, it’s the policeman’s fault,” said AIDSOTF spokesman Chief Insp. Roque Merdegia.

RA 10640 amends the provision on the custody and disposition of illegal drugs, particularly on the conduct of inventory after an operation and the need for witnesses.

Under RA 9165, policemen are required to conduct an inventory of the seized illegal drugs and chemicals immediately after confiscation in the presence of the suspects and with representatives from the Department of Justice, elected public officials and media men as witnesses.

Under the amended provision, policemen can now do the inventory at the nearest office or police station in case of a warrantless arrest as long as the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized items are properly preserved.