BI boosts drug trafficking drive

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THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has inked an agreement with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to enhance its campaign against the illegal drugs trade.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco yesterday said the agreement was signed on February 28 between him and PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo.

“The memorandum of agreement underscores the commitment of both agencies to work collaboratively in addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking and other illicit activities,” Tansingco said in a statement on Sunday.

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He added the BI plays a critical role in investigating and identifying foreign nationals who may be involved in drug trafficking.

“As the primary agency responsible for immigration and alien registration laws, the BI plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing the entry of individuals engaged in illegal activities, including drug trafficking,” he said.

Tansingco said the agreement will allow the BI to provide the necessary intelligence assistance to the PDEA to thwart the movement of foreign drug traffickers in the country.

Likewise, under the data-sharing agreement, the BI will provide PDEA with information about foreign nationals suspected to be involved in the narcotics trade.

It can be recalled that in June 2023, the BI assisted the PDEA and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Drug Interdiction Task Group in intercepting a Canadian woman trying to smuggle into the country P48 million worth of drugs wrapped in chocolate.

In November last year, BI agents also flagged the entry of a Bolivian who attempted to smuggle P47 million worth of cocaine mixed in toffee and fish food.

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