News
BOC turns over P3-M seized drugs to PDEA
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has turned over PHP3 million worth of marijuana and ecstasy to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday.
BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña led the turn over of the PHP3,027,570 worth of seized illegal drugs, composed of five parcels of marijuana and one parcel of ecstasy, which were intercepted at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) by Customs agents after x-ray machines showed image irregularities.
The seized marijuana weighed a total of 10,091.9 grams.
The parcels were either declared as food additives, apparels, handbags, and school supplies.
The consignees are identified as Mark Dinglasan (ecstasy) with address at 435 F. Ortigas St., Hagdang Bato Townhomes, Brgy. Hagdang Bato Itaas, Mandaluyong City; Joel Shila with address at 52 Panorama St. SSS. Vil. Marikina City; Vicky Alvarez from 14 Sto. Nino St. Marikina City; Kim Equipado with address at Blk 7 Lot 6 Rivotorio St., Brgy. Maharlika, San Juan; James Garcia; and Divino Peleo.
“Some of the parcels which arrived at CMEC are from USA,” said Lapena in a statement.
He noted that after undergoing x-ray examination, customs examiners conduct a physical examination with the presence of the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Taskforce for confirmation of illegal substances.
“The subsequent tests conducted by PDEA revealed positive reactions to drugs that’s why the packages were seized,” the customs chief added.
Charges will be filed against the consignee for violation of provisions of RA 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and RA 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
Under Republic Act 9165, marijuana is classified as a dangerous drug.
Section 119 (d) of CMTA states that marijuana and other habit-forming drugs are classified as prohibited imports.