BOC, PDEA renew partnership to combat drug smuggling

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday renewed their partnership to strengthen border security and prevent the entry of illegal drugs in the country.

In a statement, the BOC said the memorandum of agreement with PDEA was signed by BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero and PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva.

The agreement is expected to further improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination between the BOC and PDEA.

“To date, the partnership of the two agencies has resulted to billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs, paraphernalia, apparatus and equipment,” according to the BOC.

The Customs said it is committed in its mandate to protect the country's border and enforce the provisions of RA 9165 or the Anti-Dangerous Drugs Act and RA 10863 or the Customs Mordernization and Tariff Act.

The MOA signing was held at the PDEA Building Main Activity Area in Quezon City.

In January 2019, the BOC and PDEA entered into a partnership, which was an amendment to the previous pact signed on September 10, 2010. -MDM, GMA News