QUEZON CITY, July 15 –The Bureau of Customs (BOC) signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on July 14, 2020 to strengthen partnership and join force to ensure border security to prevent entry of illegal drugs and essential chemicals into the country.

In a statement PDEA Director General Wilkins M. Villanueva Villanueva said, “this new agreement between PDEA and BOC is a big boost in our continuing effort to eradicate smuggling of illegal drugs using our ports which are being exploited by syndicates to expand their nefarious activities.”

The MOA signing was held through simple rites at the PDEA Building Main Activity Area in Quezon City. BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and PDEA Director General Wilkins M. Villanueva led the MOA signing which was witnessed by key Officials of the BOC and PDEA as well as various members of the media.

The MOA aims to further improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination between the BOC and PDEA. The partnership of the two agencies has resulted to billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs, paraphernalia, apparatus and equipment.

In view of RA9165 known as ‘Anti-Dangerous Drugs Act and RA 10863 or the Customs Mordernization and Tariff Act, both agencies are mandated to protect the country’s border and establish a strong system of cooperation and strategy in combatting illegal drugs in the country.

Partnering with the Philippine Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is in response to the urgent call of the President to eliminate illegal drugs and drug menace in the country. (ARR/PIA/BOC)