MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaborative efforts to combat transnational crime related to illicit trafficking of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors and essential chemicals.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino and Police General Sutep Dechrugsa, RTP Deputy Commissioner General, signed the MOU on Tuesday in a simple ceremony held at the PDEA national headquarters in Quezon City.
Under the MOU, the two countries 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; 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 illicit circulation of drugs.
“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.
“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 December 18, 1998,” the PDEA chief noted. | PNA
