Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance data and technology sharing in efforts to curb the importation and supply of illegal drugs. This alliance was formalized on Tuesday with the signing of a memorandum of agreement at the National Cybercrime Hub in Taguig City by PDEA Assistant Secretary Renato Gumban and CICC Executive Director, Undersecretary Alexander Ramos.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement mandates the CICC to provide technical expertise to PDEA by sharing data and connecting them with agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PDEA, in turn, will assign liaisons to the National Cybercrime Hub to facilitate the suppression of drug-related cybercrimes. This collaboration aims to bolster PDEA's functions as a deputized agency of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, particularly in tackling drug money laundering activities.
Gumban emphasized the necessity of CICC's assistance in enhancing PDEA's capabilities, especially in cybercrime investigation and supply reduction. He acknowledged that PDEA occasionally relies on foreign counterparts for support but often requires more comprehensive information, which the CICC can provide to effectively track drug networks.
Ramos expressed that the partnership represents significant progress in addressing drug abuse in the country. He stated that by sharing CICC's expertise, they aim to empower PDEA to pursue its mission rigorously and effectively.
Earlier reports from PDEA indicated that assets and properties worth PHP518.4 million, derived from illegal drug activities, have been subjected to civil forfeiture and freeze orders from 2022 to the present. This includes PHP4.03 million in parcels of land, motor vehicles, and firearms forfeited to the government, and PHP514.4 million in cash, vehicles, and land that have been frozen or preserved.
Furthermore, Ramos highlighted CICC's ongoing efforts to combat drug-related cybercrimes, particularly in tracking the payment systems used by drug criminals online. He noted that the illegal drug trade increasingly utilizes cryptocurrency, especially the Tether platform, also known as USDT, for transferring drug money. The CICC's involvement in these cybercrime cases, which began in 2024, is crucial in understanding and intercepting these digital financial flows.
