PDEA inks deal with J&T Express to stop drug smuggling via delivery apps

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement with courier service J&T Express to address the smuggling and transportation of drugs in the country using the mail and parcel system.

According to the PDEA, the trafficking of drugs through the service of delivery courier companies have become prevalent.

In August, PDEA operatives found 12 kilograms of shabu worth P81.6 million at courier service's regional headquarters in Mandaue City, Cebu during a random inspection.

Shabu was also found hidden in sanitary napkins and stuffed toys that were dropped at a courier service for delivery.

The PDEA has previously said that several suspects have admitted to using delivery apps to transport illegal drugs.

“PDEA cannot solve the country’s drug problem without the help of various stakeholders like J&T Express. Hence, our efforts and mechanisms to intercept [the] delivery of illegal drugs would only be possible with their cooperation,” PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva said in a statement.

He also expressed gratitude to other courier service providers for ensuring that packages with illegal drugs are intercepted.

According to the agency, the signing of the MOA manifested the strong resolve of both parties to strengthen their partnership in the fight against drug trafficking.

The MOA was formally signed by PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva and Atty. Christoffer Liquigan, the Corporate General Counsel of J&T Express Philippines, among others at the PDEA National Headquarters. -MDM, GMA News