The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reminded on Tuesday, August 24, companies planning to import, sell, and/or purchase controlled substances like morphine and fentanyl are required to first secure the appropriate license from the agency.

In a statement, the PDEA Regional Office (RO) VII noted that routine and unannounced inspections are conducted in the agency’s registered entities to determine if they comply with the terms and conditions of their licenses.

The highly trained PDEA RO VII inspection team noted that dangerous drugs such as “Morphine and Fentanyl’’ have moderate to high potential of abuse that may lead to psychological and physical dependence.

These drugs are strictly regulated and monitored by PDEA to avoid illegal drug diversion while ensuring their availability in the legitimate market.

Meanwhile, PDEA Director-General Wilkins Villanueva cited earlier the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB regulation that provides enhanced provisions to ensure that “the execution of the BDCP (Barangay Drug Clearing Program) remains resolute.”

The new regulation repealed the earlier DDB Regulation No. 3 Series of 2017, otherwise known as “Strengthening the Implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program”.

In further strengthening efforts to reduce drug-affectation in the country, the government has adopted the BDCP which is a holistic and whole-of-nation approach by enlisting the support of stakeholders, duty bearers and local government units (LGUs) in drug-clearing operations.

“Persistent and consistent. This is the way to go as we strive to eliminate illegal drugs barangay by barangay. The country’s drug problem is half solved as long as active and unfaltering BDCPs exist in our communities,” Villanueva said. (Chito A. Chavez)