The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has expressed full support to the proposed bill which seeks to immediately destroy all confiscated illegal drugs during anti-drug operations.

In a statement, the PDEA noted that the House Bill No. 9668 would mandate all law enforcement units to promptly destroy seized illegal drugs no longer needed as evidence in court through incineration facilities, including crematoriums, at no cost.

The bill is dubbed the “Prompt Dangerous Drugs Destruction Act of 2023” and authored by Surigao del Norte Second District Rep. Robert “Ace” Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.

In supporting the proposal, the PDEA stated that the bill, once approved by Congress, can be a huge prevention effort against drug pilferage and recycling. 

It added that “prohibited drugs must be destroyed once and for all before they reach the hands of intended consumers hence, dismissing any communal inkling that those seized by authorities are being recycled or peddled back in the streets.’’

Through the bill, the agency stressed that it shall have greater leverage to act on its vested authority to burn seized illegal drugs within the prescribed period. 

The agency has no destruction provision at its disposal and relies heavily on the use of accredited waste management facilities to destroy illegal drugs as the availability of incineration and cremation facilities free of charge would serve the purpose. 

“PDEA is thankful to Congressman Barbers for sponsoring House Bill No. 9668. The Agency is hoping for the positive response of our legislators for the reconsideration of this bill and its enactment into law in the future,’’ the agency said.

While PDEA is the sole authority to take charge and have custody of all confiscated drug evidence, the decision to destroy them does not rest upon the shoulders of the agency since “it has to be ordered by the courts.’’

“The expeditious prosecution and disposition of drug cases, together with the passage of House Bill No. 9668, should address the prevailing concern of destroying illegal drugs more consistently and faster,’’ PDEA added.