In a significant move to tackle the illegal drug trade, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have formalized a partnership. The agreement, signed at the National Cybercrime Hub in Taguig City, focuses on leveraging technology and data to disrupt the importation and supply of illegal drugs across the nation.
PDEA’s Assistant Secretary Renato Gumban and CICC’s Executive Director, Undersecretary Alexander Ramos, inked the memorandum of agreement, marking a new era of collaboration. Under this pact, CICC will provide technical support and data to PDEA, aiding in the investigation and prosecution of cases under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. In return, PDEA will station liaisons at the National Cybercrime Hub to enhance efforts against drug-related cybercrimes.
Gumban emphasized the necessity of CICC’s expertise, noting that PDEA’s capabilities in cybercrime investigation are still developing. He highlighted the need for CICC’s assistance in pinpointing crucial information and tackling the sophisticated networks operated by drug syndicates. Ramos echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership is a crucial step forward in the fight against drug abuse in the Philippines.
The collaboration comes at a time when PDEA has been actively pursuing the assets and properties linked to illegal drug activities. From 2022 to the present, assets worth PHP518.4 million have been targeted for civil forfeiture, with significant portions already seized or frozen. This includes land, vehicles, firearms, and cash, with 28 cases referred to the Anti-Money Laundering Council and 41 cases filed with the Department of Justice.
Additionally, CICC has been involved in tracking the use of cryptocurrencies in drug transactions since 2024. Ramos pointed out the increasing use of platforms like Tether (USDT) for transferring drug money, which operates on blockchain networks and facilitates digital transactions of fiat currencies. This development underscores the evolving nature of the drug trade and the need for advanced technological interventions to curb it.