PDEA-NIR boosts enforcement via anti-drug reporting QR codes

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Negros Island Region (PDEA-NIR) has started installing anti-drug reporting quick response (QR) codes in various seaports in the region to strengthen its drug enforcement efforts and promote public safety and transparency.

PDEA personnel posted QR codes at the Bredco port here on Feb. 13 and at the port of Siquijor on Feb. 17.

According to PDEA-NIR, the QR code is linked to an online reporting platform where passengers, port workers, shipping personnel and the general public can anonymously report suspicious drug-related activities.

Some individuals have been previously intercepted with illegal drugs in seaports, prompting authorities to intensify anti-drug efforts and coordination with other law enforcement units.

The system, according to PDEA-NIR, enables them to gather real-time intelligence and enhance efforts to prevent illegal drug trafficking through seaports.

BUSTED

Meanwhile, a 37-year-old government employee was arrested in a drug bust in Barangay Canal, Siquijor, Siquijor, on Feb. 20.

The operation led to the confiscation of two sachets of suspected shabu from a high-value target identified as alias “Gilbert,” a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor, who works as an assistant statistician.

Also apprehended in a separate buy-bust operation in Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Feb. 19 were two individuals who allegedly yielded 55 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP 132,000.

The suspects were identified by PDEA-NIR as alias “Dante,” 46, and alias “Arsing,” 55, both residents of the said village. They were reported through “Isumbong Mo sa PDEA (IMSP).”

The IMSP is PDEA’s flagship citizen-reporting program that allows the public to anonymously report illegal drug activities through various channels, including hotlines, text messages and online platforms. The QR code initiative at seaports builds on the same approach by making the reporting process more accessible in high-traffic transit points across the region.