BOC joins regional task force vs illegal drugs, smuggling in Central Visayas

The Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu has joined an inter-agency task force in Central Visayas that was created to beef up the security and operation against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.

Port of Cebu District Collector Elvira Cruz said the BOC is among the 15 government enforcement agencies that signed for the One Cebu–Inter-Agency Interdiction Task Force (OC-IAITF).

Aside from illegal drugs, the task force will also focus on smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism.

While continuing the performance of their mandates, each member-agency shall have a close working relationship with the task force by providing active support through law enforcement operations, detail of personnel, and timely exchange of relevant information, the MOA reads.

On the part of the Port of Cebu, Cruz has committed to immediately act upon any derogatory information forwarded by the task force against international packages/cargoes for conduct of a joint physical examination.

She also vowed to strengthen border protection measures, including anti-drug interdiction efforts through intensified coordination with partner government agencies and stakeholders.

"It takes the whole community to fight the unscrupulous individuals and their network if we want to stop them," said Cruz.