Question & AnswerQ&A (DDB BOARD REGULATION NO. 1, S. 2013)
The primary policy of the State pursuant to Section 2 of RA 9165 is to safeguard the integrity of its territory and the well-being of its citizenry from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs, and to pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs.
According to the regulation, the dangerous drugs trade in the country is carried out by transnational and local drug groups responsible for financing, manufacturing, and trafficking of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs).
The primary implementing agency responsible for the custody and disposition of seized dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, and laboratory equipment is the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Seized drugs or controlled chemicals no longer needed as evidence in court may be lawfully used for the training of K9 detector dogs for narcotics upon request by concerned agencies, provided the requesting agency possesses the necessary permits and licenses required by PDEA and other concerned agencies such as PNP SOSIA.
Section 8-A was added to Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, Series of 2002, specifically allowing the use of seized drugs or controlled chemicals for K9 training of detector dogs for narcotics.
The PDEA Director General must establish guidelines specifying the maximum quantity of seized drugs or controlled chemicals to be used, proper storage, inventory, and chain of custody forms, with copies of these guidelines submitted to the Dangerous Drugs Board.
After completion of the K9 training, the requested drugs or controlled chemicals must be turned over to PDEA for proper disposition.
The requesting agency must secure permits and licenses from PDEA and other concerned agencies, including but not limited to the PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP SOSIA).
The amendment takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation and after its registration with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR), UP Law Center, Quezon City.
The amendment aims to provide clear guidelines for the lawful use of seized dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals for the training of K9 detector dogs for narcotics, which was not previously covered explicitly in the original 2002 regulation.