The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has recognized the Bureau of Customs for its relentless efforts helping the government in its battle against prohibited substances.
This year alone, the Customs bureau under the supervision of Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero recorded a total of 46 drug seizures with an estimated value of P1.6 billion.
PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva gave the plaque of recognition to Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) executive officer SP/Maj. Ernesto Pracale Jr. during the agency’s 20th anniversary celebration on June 3 held at Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City.
Villanueva said the Customs bureau has been an active partner of the PDEA in the government’s crusade against illegal drugs.
He added the two agencies have been working together in implementing anti-illegal drug strategies to combat smuggling and proliferation of dangerous substances in the country.
Since 2016, more than P17 billion worth of illegal drug shipments were seized in various ports, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Port of Clark, Port of Manila, and Manila International Container Port.
In February, PDEA also commended the Customs NAIA for its accomplishment and proactive measures in going after smuggling of anti-social goods, especially illegal drugs, in 2021.
The port intercepted 57 shipments of illegal drugs worth P122.7 million last year.
The Port of NAIA attributed the accomplishments from the creation of an anti-narcotics coordinating center to further strengthen its campaign against smuggling of illegal drugs at the country’s premier airport.
Commissioner Guerrero said his agency, in partnership with PDEA, will further strengthen its anti-drug interdiction efforts in seaports and airports to suppress the entry of illegal drugs in the country.