BOC intercepts PHP8.8-M illegal drugs in unclaimed parcels

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Three unclaimed parcels containing suspected illegal drugs with a total estimated value of PHP8.8 million were recently intercepted at a warehouse in Pasay City.

The parcels, initially declared as electronic equipment and garments, were flagged during X-ray screening on Sept. 25 and subsequently subjected to K-9 sweeping, according to a report by Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno over the weekend.

A thorough physical inspection revealed that one parcel concealed 992 grams of shabu while the other two contained a combined 1,396 grams of high-grade marijuana (kush), all estimated to be worth PHP8.8 million

Nepomuceno commended the vigilance of BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) authorities, who coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group

“The Bureau of Customs is determined to uncover and stop every attempt by drug traffickers to sneak illegal substances into our country. We remain steadfast in protecting our borders and shielding our communities from the harms of illegal drugs,” he said.

The seized illegal drugs were secured and placed under the custody of BOC-NAIA, pending confirmatory laboratory testing and further investigation.

The case constitutes violations of Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) and No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).