US report: Phl lacks tools to probe, prosecute drug cases

MANILA, Philippines – The lack of investigative and judicial tools continue to impede drug cases development in the Philippines, according to the latest annual US Department of State’s country report on narcotics.

According to the 2012 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR)-Drug and Chemical Control released yesterday, the Philippines continues to face the daunting task of tackling transnational drug trafficking organizations without strong legal tools such as provision for judicially authorized interception of criminal communications, plea bargaining, and an efficient drug asset forfeiture process.

“Without these important tools, enforcement’s ability to gather evidence against high-level drug traffickers remained limited,” the report said.

The INCSR is an annual report by the State Department to Congress prepared in accordance with the Foreign Assistance Act. It describes the efforts of key countries to attack all aspects of the international drug trade in 2011.

In 2011, the report said Philippine law enforcement agencies enhanced intelligence and operational cooperation despite limited resources, pointing that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the law enforcement and military task forces that support PDEA should be formalized and adequately funded and staffed.