The Supreme Court has tasked judges of the Regional Trial Courts who handle illegal drug cases to immediately issue an order to destroy all confiscated drugs.
The High Court has issued the order after learning from the Philippine National Police (PNP) that confiscated drugs are still in the custody o law enforcement agents due to the prolonged issuance of a court order.
In the circular of the Office of the Court Administrator, the RTC judges are reminded to obey the mandate of the Dangerous Drugs Act where judges must conduct an inspection of the confiscated drugs within 72 hours. The judges are also tasked to issue a destruction order within 24 hours after the ocular inspection. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
