Quezon City: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Flash Express Philippines, Co., Ltd., an e-commerce delivery courier, have signed an agreement to tackle the issue of drug trafficking facilitated through online door-to-door delivery services. The memorandum of agreement was signed by PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez and Flash Express deputy director for communications and government relations Reginald Rex Pumihic at the PDEA national headquarters.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement aims to synchronize the efforts of PDEA and Flash Express Philippines in preventing the delivery and transportation of packages containing illegal drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) into the country. Nerez highlighted the risk of delivery service drivers becoming unwitting conduits for drug trafficking due to misdeclared or fraudulently shipped packages. The agreement mandates that drivers inspect packages before accepting them for delivery, and they have the right to refuse and cancel transactions if clients refuse inspection.
Nerez noted that PDEA has previously partnered with various domestic delivery courier companies to combat the delivery of drug-laden packages. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in the national anti-drug campaign, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of a 'Bagong Pilipinas' (New Philippines) that promotes unity and citizen involvement.
Flash Express pledged to instruct their delivery service drivers to report suspicious packages to PDEA and enforce a drug-free workplace policy. Pumihic stated that the agreement is a proactive step to align their operations with national anti-drug efforts.
In related news, the Philippine National Police's (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) recently confiscated over PHP12.1 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested four individuals involved in drug-related activities. PDEG acting chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy reported the seizure of 91 grams of shabu and 57,500 pieces of fully grown marijuana across four operations. He noted that one suspect, a high-value individual, was listed by PDEA as a regional target. One suspect was killed during a police operation, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcers. Capoy praised the dedication of the operatives and urged community involvement in reporting drug-related activities to foster a safer society.
