CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) --The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a comprehensive training to prevent illegal drug trafficking activities happening in the country's popular tourist destinations.

Called as the PDEA Tourism Operation Protection Against Illegal Drugs (PDEA TOPAID), the training commenced its first day on May 24, 2022 in an undisclosed venue in Quezon City.

Assistant Secretary Diosdado C Carreon, MBA, Deputy Director General for Administration welcomed the participants that include hotel owners and operators.

Also present during the event were Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno, Department of Tourism; Director Warner Andrada, Office of Tourism Development Planning, Research and Information Management, Department of Tourism; Mr. Glen Agustin, Office of Market Division, Department of Tourism; and representatives from PDEA Regional Offices.

"I am confident that after completing this training, you will be able to increase your awareness and understanding of your role as implementers of the anti-drug law while promoting tourism development in our country," Carreon said.

Earlier, PDEA, PNP and DOT signed a Memorandum of Agreement that led to the establishment of the PDEA TOPAID. (PDEA PIO/PIA-NCR)