The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted specialized training for newly hired forensic chemists and dangerous drug regulatory officers (DDROs).

In a statement, the PDEA explained that the training would last for about six months and was aimed at preparing the newly commissioned chemists for forensic work, particularly in the qualitative examination of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals ( CPEC).

The program will also familiarize stakeholders with the handling and preservation of seized drug evidence, the concept of “chain of custody”, case law and the proper disposition of seized illegal drugs.

On the other hand, DDRO trainees will be taught about the appropriate assessment, processing and issuance of licenses and permits to industry partners, physicians, pharmaceutical companies, suppliers and retailers involved in importation, distribution, manufacture, prescribing, dispensing and sale. of CPECs.

PDEA Assistant Director General for Operations Renato Gumban together with Director Agnes Mandap of the Compliance Service and Chemist V Angela Salvador, Acting Director of the Laboratory Service shared their thoughts on the training.

Earlier, the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) donated equipment for metrology standards to harness scientific and technological techniques in the quest for a drug-free Philippines.

PDEA said the donated tools serve as added value in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of its forensic results and create improved methods in its forensic analysis as both agencies are committed to work in the country’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs.

“The equipment includes 18 sets of test weights and 18 digital thermohygrometer units, which will equip PDEA forensic laboratories and chemists to practice accuracy, consistency, uniformity, reliability and comparability in the measurement of samples of seized drug samples. PDEA noted. (Chito A. Chavez)

Aside from the donation, a document that provides guidance on how to estimate measurement uncertainty in drug weight-of-evidence reporting was officially approved by DOST to PDEA, which “is a collaborative product of the PDEA Laboratory Service and the Laboratory National Metrology (NML) of DOST.’ ‘

The donated tools serve to add value in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of PDEA’s forensic results and create improved methods in its forensic analysis as both agencies are committed to working as one in harnessing science and technology to achieve a drug-free nation.

PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo and Dr. Annabelle Briones, Director of DOST-ITDI, signed the Deed of Donation in the presence of key officers from both sides.