PDEA acquires P90-M worth of equipment for war vs drugs

PDEA Director Aaron Aquino (File photo by NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net)

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has acquired more than P90 million worth of surveillance, communication and protective equipment to “better monitor drug suspects and their illegal drug activities.”

“With the persistent threat of illegal drugs in the country, PDEA continues to build up its capabilities, augmenting its operating units and Drug Enforcement Officers with the essential resources to thrive well in the war against drugs,” said PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino in a statement on Thursday.

The drug agency bought a total of 20 remote controlled aircrafts (drones), and 166 handheld radios that would be used for “intelligence and information-gathering and investigative” purposes.

The PDEA also acquired 753 tactical helmets and 23 reloading machines that would be used by its agents during drug operations.

“The firearm reloading and protective equipment are the newest addition to PDEA’s armory. These will increase our armaments in drug law enforcement, and will provide our operatives better protection during actual engagements,” Aquino noted.

“Logistics is the lifeblood of every organization. PDEA has put premium on the modernization of equipment and supplies to better equip itself in waging an all-out war against illegal drugs,” the PDEA chief said.

Apart from this, 470 printers and 100 laptop computers were also acquired by the drug agency.

The equipment and the vehicles would be distributed to PDEA National Offices and 17 PDEA Regional Offices in the country. /je