PDEA, Customs agree on transparency in joint ops

Pdea Chief Aaron Aquino and Custom Rey Leonardo Guerrero sign a memorandum of agreement on January 31, 2019 at PDEA office. Noy Morcoso/Inquirer.net

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) signed on Thursday an agreement to promote transparency in joint anti-narcotics operations.

Under the agreement, signed by PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the agencies will hold regular monthly meetings to discuss operational matters in preventing the entry of illegal drugs, controlled precursors and chemicals into the country.

PDEA takes charge

At a press conference on Thursday, Aquino said the PDEA and the BOC agreed to “observe complete transparency, create a drug interdiction task group to promote a closer working relationship between the parties, and exchange best practices and knowledge concerning smuggling, importation, transportation and transshipment of dangerous drugs through seminars and workshops.”

In the new agreement, the PDEA “shall take charge and have custody of seized or surrendered illegal drugs, and controlled precursors and essential chemicals during the BOC’s anti-illegal drug operations.”

The agency will also take custody of suspects arrested in connection with the intercepted narcotics. —JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE