BUTUAN CITY – Agusan del Norte second Congressional District Representative Dale B. Corvera emphasized the need for all law enforcers to undergo mandatory training on the chain of custody of drug evidence prior to involvement in any anti-dangerous drugs operations following the alarming reports on the high number of dismissed dangerous drug cases presented during the recently held Organizational Meeting of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, attended by law enforcement agencies.

The Dangerous Drugs Board  (DDB) reported that based on its official record, about 85% of dangerous drug cases filed before the regular courts are dismissed. The National Bureau of Investigation likewise reported a dismal 0.89% success rate in the prosecution of dangerous drug cases initiated by the Nnational Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“As a former local chief executive, I am made aware of the fact that not all law enforcers conducting operations against illegal drugs are capably trained on the technical task of observing the chain of custody of seized drug evidence. This renders the seized drugs, paraphernalia and effects to become inadmissible in evidence and causes the acquittal of the accused if no other piece of evidence would be presented to prove his guilt” he said.

Corvera, a member of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, likewise emphasized the need to use of body-worn cameras or alternative recording devices during the conduct of anti-dangerous drugs operations.

“The use of body-worn cameras or alternative recording devices during the conduct of anti-dangerous drugs operations is a two-edged sword. It does not only aid the courts in resolving issues that may become relevant in criminal cases, but also serves as deterrent to law enforcers from violating the constitutional rights of suspects.” he added. (Hala Bira Sa Kongreso/PIA Agusan del Norte)