PDEA, BOC renew partnership to curb drug smuggling

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday renewed their commitment and partnership to prevent the entry of illegal drugs to the Philippines.

PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino and BOC head Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero inked a memorandum of agreement, stating that the two agencies will have monthly meetings "to discuss operational matters, current status of the programs as well as to formulate strategies to meet objectives" in the fight against illegal drugs. 

"The new agreement is an opportunity for PDEA and the BOC to formally strengthen their partnership in the fight against illegal drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for transparency and closer coordination and cooperation in the interception of smuggled drug contraband," Aquino said in a statement.

Under the MOA, the two agencies agreed to establish a "drug interdiction task group" which aims to strengthen the working relationship between the two parties as well as to have an exchange on practices and knowledge concerning smuggling, importation, transportation and transshipment of illegal drugs.

Moreover, members of the BOC Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force shall be selected and will be under the supervision of the BOC chief. However, the PDEA head may recommend the member's removal for just cause.

The anti-illegal drugs agency may also "deputize" selected members of the said task force during the conduct of operations.

"The MOA also deputizes PDEA personnel to join the BOC in enforcement inspections of all shipments and cargoes pursuant to the country's customs laws," Aquino said.

Information sharing

It was also stated in the agreement that PDEA should give BOC any intelligence information regarding shipments suspected to contain illegal drugs.

For its part, BOC will also provide access to PDEA personnel during conduct of physical examination on shipment with derogatory information as well as during random inspection of cargoes.

Customs personnel will also turn over to PDEA any individuals who will be nabbed for violation of anti-drug law after a conduct of "proper inventory."

The new signed deal also states that PDEA should take charge and have custody on seized illegal drugs during anti-illegal drugs operations.

The new inked deal was an amendment to the previous pact signed on September 10, 2010, PDEA said. — MDM, GMA News