QUEZON CITY, Sept. 20 (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaborative efforts to combat transnational crime related to illicit trafficking of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors and essential chemicals.
PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino and Police General Sutep Dechrugsa, deputy commissioner general of the Royal Thai Police led the signing of the MoU held at the PDEA National Headquarters in Quezon City.
“Realizing that illegal drug use and trafficking pose a serious threat to a nation’s culture, religion, politics, family, security, health, and economy, the Philippines and Thailand have pledged to work together to liberate their territories from the clutches of the drug menace,” Aquino said.
According to PDEA, the two countries have agreed to establish and maintain channels of communication to facilitate the rapid and timely exchange of relevant information on drug trafficking crimes, suspects in cross-border drug trafficking, possible money-laundering activities, methods of drug trafficking and their possible routes, methods of concealment in the transport of illegal drugs, new and emerging forms of illegal drugs, among others.
The MOU also aims to strengthen cooperative assistance between PDEA and the RTP in the effective exchange of best practices for capacity building and professional development, in particular the exchange of personnel for training and education; the conduct and participation in training programs, seminars, workshops, and other activities; and other material, technical, advisory and expertise assistance.
In addition, both parties have pledged to cooperate in conducting anti-drug operations and provide mutual assistance to thwart drug trafficking, including controlled deliveries and monitoring of the licit circulation of drugs.
“PDEA and the RTP have committed themselves to prevent and suppress the flow of illegal drugs in their respective states as envisioned in the Agreement on Cooperation on the Prevention and Fight Against Criminal Activities of 18 December 1998,” the PDEA chief said. | PIA
