The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has partnered with Flash Express Philippines Co., Ltd. to bolster efforts against drug trafficking through online delivery platforms.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez and Flash Express deputy director for communications and government relations Reginald Rex Pumihic signed a memorandum of agreement at the PDEA national headquarters in Quezon City last week, pledging to coordinate efforts to stop the transport of illegal drugs and controlled substances through courier services.
“Despite diligent efforts to prevent illegal drug activities, Flash Express Philippines may unknowingly handle packages that have been misdeclared or fraudulently shipped by individuals engaged in drug trafficking. This scenario may make a delivery service driver an unwitting conduit of drug trafficking by bringing the contraband right to the doorstep of consumers,” said Nerez.
The agreement mandates that delivery personnel inspect packages before accepting them. “If the client refuses the inspection, the driver maintains the right to refuse delivery and cancel the transaction,” Nerez added.
He also cited previous collaborations with other courier services as part of a broader strategy to curb drug trafficking, emphasizing that multi-sectoral efforts are essential to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision.
Flash Express committed to reporting suspicious packages and enforcing a drug-free workplace policy across its operations. “Through this agreement, we are taking proactive steps to align our operations with national anti-drug efforts,” Pumihic said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) confiscated P12.1 million worth of illegal drugs and apprehended four individuals in separate operations on June 10.
PDEG acting chief Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the seizures included 91 grams of shabu and 57,500 fully grown marijuana plants. One high-value target, identified on PDEA’s regional watchlist, was among those arrested, while another suspect was killed after resisting arrest during a police operation.
Capoy praised the courage of law enforcement officers and urged the public to report drug-related activities, reinforcing the campaign to build a safer, drug-free Philippines.