AID-SOTF agents to go after drug syndicates’assets

At least 50 anti-drug agents have undergone training on financial investigation and money laundering as the police Anti-Illegal Drugs and Special Operations Task Force (AID-SOTF) shift its focus in the war against illegal drugs by going after the drug syndicates’ properties and assets.

Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay, AID-SOTF ground commander, said the anti-drug agents were taught to trace document ownership and how drug lords launder their money.

"We are now entering another phase in our war against drug syndicates which is to deprive them of the fruits of their crime," said Aglipay.

Lawyer Richard Funk of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) presided over the two-day seminar held last week in Camp Crame.

Aglipay admitted it will take time before the government can seize properties and assets of international drug syndicates because they are using various legal fronts such as legitimate businesses.

But with the proper training and techniques provided them by Funk, Aglipay is confident that his men are now well prepared to handle the job.

Since June last year, the AID-SOTF busted at least 19 shabu factories, laboratories and warehouses and confiscated a total of P13 billion worth of shabu, equipment and raw materials. They also arrested some 20 Chinese nationals involved in the manufacture of illegal drugs.

The AID-SOTF is likewise spearheading efforts to bring the war against illegal drugs to the barangays nationwide.

Lawyer John Sosito, chief of AID-SOTF legal team spearheading seizure proceedings of properties and assets of arrested drug ring leaders Jackson Dy and Benito Sy said the AID-SOTF is now fighting illegal drugs in all fronts.

"We are at present engaging the drug syndicates in all angles. Depriving them of the fruits of their crime is one good counter-measure," Sosito told The Star. — Non Alquitran