The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA, /piːˈdeɪjɑː/, Tagalog pronunciation: [piˈdea]; Filipino: Ahensiya ng Pilipinas sa Pagpapatupad ng Batas Laban sa Bawal na Gamot) is the lead anti-drug law enforcement agency, responsible for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals within the Philippines. The agency is tasked with the enforcement of the penal and regulatory provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 (R.A. 9165), otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.