PDEA credits prosecutors, court for drug convictions in Cagayan

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 2 (PDEA RO2) credited prosecutors and the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Tuguegarao City for the successful prosecution and conviction of individuals involved in illegal drug activities in the province.

In an order issued by RTC Branch 5 in Tuguegarao City, the court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Sections 5, 11 and 12 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The court imposed penalties corresponding to the offenses in accordance with the provisions of the law.

PDEA RO2 Regional Director DIR III Gil Cesario P. Castro said the cases stemmed from information received by the agency regarding the accused alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

The information was subsequently validated, leading to an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the filing of charges against them.

PDEA RO2 said the convictions highlighted the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary in pursuing drug-related cases.

The agency also emphasized the role of proper case preparation, prosecution and court proceedings in ensuring that drug cases are resolved through the legal process.

Under Castro, PDEA RO2 said it will continue coordinating with prosecutors, the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in its efforts to enforce Republic Act No. 9165 and address illegal drug activities in Cagayan Valley.