PDEA, PCG ink deal to prevent entry of illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have strengthened their partnership to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through the country’s coastlines.

PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo and PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on Friday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to boost collaboration between the two agencies.

Under the agreement signed at the PDEA’s headquarters in Quezon City, the government’s anti-narcotics agency and the PCG would cooperate in the interdiction of illegal drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals smuggled into the country’s territory.

“Both parties have agreed to hold regular meetings for the purpose of discussing operational matters, the current status of the programs and the formulation of necessary strategies to facilitate the accomplishments of the MOA’s objectives,” the PDEA said in a statement.

The two agencies will also exchange best practices and knowledge on drug smuggling, transportation and transshipment.

In addition, the PDEA shall establish a comprehensive information collection plan to obtain information on illegal drug activities from sources at all levels and take the lead role in narcotics investigation as well as the conduct of anti-drug operations.

The PCG, meanwhile, shall assist the PDEA in gathering, collecting, processing, and analyzing information to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through the coastlines.

Also included in the agreement is the deputization of PDEA officers to join PCG personnel in enforcement inspections of merchant ships and vessels.

The Philippines has one of the longest coastlines in the world, stretching 36,289 kilometers.