MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) signed a memorandum of agreement Thursday to strengthen collaboration against the smuggling of illegal drugs.

Under the pact, both agencies will enhance operational coordination through advanced intelligence-sharing, integrated systems, and joint operations targeting the smuggling, importation, transportation, and transshipment of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals.

“A central feature of the partnership is the establishment of a Drug Interdiction Task Group, designed to foster closer collaboration between PDEA and BOC,” the anti-illegal drug agency said.

The task group will oversee intelligence exchange, joint investigation of suspected drug smuggling activities, and sharing of operational expertise and best practices. Digital innovation will also be a key focus, including integrated databases, pre-shipment inspection systems, and modernized scanning facilities to make border security more resilient.

The signing ceremony was held at the PDEA National Headquarters in Quezon City, with PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez and BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno leading the event.

“This agreement sends a clear message to drug syndicates: Our ports are not safe havens for drug trafficking. By combining PDEA’s expertise with BOC’s border control capabilities, we are determined to intercept illegal drugs before they reach our communities,” Nerez said.

He added, “Drug smuggling is a complex and evolving threat. Unified action across law enforcement agencies ensures that every opportunity to exploit our borders is met with swift, decisive action.”

In a recent joint operation coordinated with the Philippine National Police, PDEA and BOC seized 41 kilograms of shabu worth about P278 million at the Manila International Container Port on February 10.