(File photo)
MANILA – The bill seeking the prompt destruction of seized illegal drugs in operations will put an end to the cycle of drug pilferage and recycling, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Thursday.
“The bill, once approved by Congress, can be a huge prevention effort against drug pilferage and recycling. 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,” PDEA said in a statement.
The agency said House of Representatives Bill 9668, or the proposed “Prompt Dangerous Drugs Destruction Act of 2023," would also give it greater leverage to act on its vested authority to burn seized illegal drugs.
It also welcomed the bill's provision mandating all law enforcement units to promptly destroy seized illegal drugs no longer needed as evidence in court through incineration facilities for free.
"The Agency has no destruction provision at its disposal and relies heavily on the use of accredited waste management facilities to destroy illegal drugs. The availability of incineration and cremation facilities free of charge would serve the purpose," it said.
The PDEA expressed hope that legislators would support the bill's passage.
Under the bill, PDEA will designate the cremation facility that would undertake the drug destruction process, giving preference to the facility nearest to the court having jurisdiction over the case or to the place where the dangerous drugs were seized.
In return, any incineration or crematorium facility that would render services under the measure would be given tax incentives, entitling them to a tax credit of 10 percent but not exceeding PHP50,000 of the taxable gross income for two years.
The process of destruction shall be witnessed by PDEA personnel, an elected official, a representative of the National Prosecution Service, the media, and civil society groups. (PNA)
