CUSTOMS COMMISSIONER Isidro S. Lapeña has signed an order to keep the bureau’s hand off the handling of dangerous drugs (DD) and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs).

The memorandum directs Bureau of Customs (BoC) personnel to immediately report all suspected illegal drugs discovered by way of regular course of work to the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) for proper coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“All shipments found to contain DD and/or CPECs within the jurisdiction of the BoC and intended for controlled delivery, the PDEA shall be the lead agency,” reads Memorandum 2017-11-004.

Mr. Lapeña, formerly the PDEA chief before being appointed to the (BoC) in August, said: “To avoid glitch in drug operations, make way and let PDEA stand in front because when it comes to drugs, they know better.”

In May this year, a shipment of 605-kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, worth P6.4 billion that passed through Customs ports was discovered.

Former Customs commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon, along with 11 other Customs officials, are facing criminal charges filed by PDEA for the alleged mishandling of the evidence and failing to follow proper procedures on illegal drugs.

“PDEA is the responsible agency in filing criminal and civil cases related to drugs for violation of Republic Act 9165 while BoC in filing criminal and civil cases arising from violation of Republic Act 10863 or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act,” the BoC said.

“Ignorance of the law excuses no one. Let us follow the law and the proper protocol. However, let me also urge our BoC operatives to be always on tight guard so that we can suppress all drug importations right at the port of entry,” said Mr. Lapeña. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

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