PDEA supports wiretapping of drug lords

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Sunday expressed its strong support to a measure that seeks to allow suspected drug lords to be wiretapped.

PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña said the bill filed by wiretapping of people who violate Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Lapeña said the bill “demonstrates the support of the Senate in the national campaign against illegal drugs.”

Bill No. 48 aims to amend RA 4200, the anti-wiretapping law. Lacson’s measure exempts people connected with drug syndicates from the law’s coverage.

Lapeña said once the measure becomes a law, the PDEA and other law enforcement agencies can wiretap “suspected big-time drug lords to intercept and record their criminal communications that can be used as evidence against them.”

invasion of citizen’s privacy of communication and abuse of authority - issues that stall the eventual passage of the bill into law, it will give PDEA and other drug law enforcement agencies additional investigative and judicial tools to reach the structure - justice,” the PDEA chief said.