The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have formalized their partnership in their joint efforts against cross-border drug trafficking.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco and PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA), committing the two agencies to work collaboratively in addressing the complex challenges posed by drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
During the signing, Tansingco emphasized the critical role of the BI 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. The MOA allows the BI to provide necessary intelligence assistance to thwart the movement of foreign drug traffickers,” he stressed.
Under the MOA, the BI will provide PDEA with necessary information about foreign nationals suspected to be involved in drug trade in the country.
“This collaboration between the BI and PDEA marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to combat drug trafficking and safeguard national security,” Tansingco added.
It can be recalled that in June, the BI’s proactive efforts assisted the PDEA and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIADITG) in intercepting a Canadian woman reportedly smuggling 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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