BOC to double efforts vs. drug smuggling — Guerrero

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will be doubling its efforts to curb smuggling of illegal drugs into the country on the heels of President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the agency to “shape up.”

“We heed the Pesident's instructions and we will double our efforts as we continue to work closely with PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and PDEG (PNP Drug Enforcement Group) in our anti-illegal drug campaign,” Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said in a text message.

On Monday night, Duterte told the Customs chief to “shape up” as illegal drugs continue to flow into the country, even urging the official to “kill.”

“The BOC is committed and fully supports the President in the fight against illegal drugs,” Guerrero said.

“Our intensified campaign against all forms of smuggling has resulted in the confiscation and seizure of not only illegal drugs but also other contraband that passed through our ports,” he said.

Earlier in the day, PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva said the drug enforcement agency continues to coordinate with the Customs to address illegal drugs smuggling. 

Earlier, Villanueva said there are no more huge drug laboratories in the Philippines as drugs usually come from other countries. — RSJ, GMA News