PDEA, US INL strengthen ties

MANILA, Philippines — The United States and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have strengthened their partnership in combating illegal drugs.

Officials from the US, led by International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) director Kate Riche, met with PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo at the agency’s main office in Quezon City on Monday.

Riche’s courtesy call, which occurred at around 9:30 a.m., symbolizes a shared commitment to the complexities of global drug enforcement, among other relevant issues, the PDEA said in a statement.

It said the primary focus of the interaction is to fortify and foster robust partnerships between the INL and PDEA, emphasizing collaboration as a cornerstone for effective international drug control and cross-border law enforcement.

“By working together, INL and PDEA both seek to implement appropriate measures that will contribute to a more coordinated and efficient global approach to combatting the challenges posed by illicit drugs and transnational criminal activities,” the PDEA said.

Riche vowed to provide resources to the PDEA through training opportunities for its personnel and equipment.

PDEA said its partnership with the INL is a step towards a united front in addressing issues of drug control.

Meanwhile, a senior citizen and his companion were arrested in a drug sting in Barangay Daang Hari, Navotas yesterday morning.

City police chief Col. Mario Cortes said the suspects – whom he identified only as Boyet, 60, and Dang, 51 – were caught with 1.99 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu valued at P13,000 and a P500 bill used as marked money.

In Malabon, two suspects identified only as Aga, 49, and Michael, 46, were arrested in another sting in Barangay Santulan yesterday morning.

Police confiscated 11.9 grams of shabu with a street value of P78,000 and a P500 bill used as marked money in the operation.