MANILA — Two individuals were arrested on Wednesday after receiving two parcels believed to contain six kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride “shabu” estimated to be worth PHP34 million in Trece Martires, Cavite.
The suspects were identified as Taib Paidlac Suriong III, 37, and Maurica Nadal de Padua, 35, who were both target-listed as drug personalities.
The operation was conducted by Agents of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport- Interagency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-DITG), Bureau of Customs- Clark, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-NCR, and PDEA-Region III.
According to Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Isidro Lapena, the two shipments arrived from United States on Tuesday through a courier at the BOC-Clark.
The cargoes were held immediately after receiving a tip from PDEA that it would be subject of controlled delivery to the consignees.
The PDEA said they received a tip from the US Homeland Security. The sender, a certain Christian Lozano from California, USA, sent two packages to a certain Raymond Cruz Miranda and Leonel Adriano Romero who reside at the same address in Trece Martires.
“At 1800H yesterday (Wednesday), the agents proceeded at the address where the arrested suspects presented IDs of Miranda and Romero to claim the packages,” the BOC chief said in a statement.
Elements of the NAIA-DITG includes PDEA, BOC, Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group, Bureau of Immigration, Office for Transport Security, and Manila International Airport Authority-Airport Police Department.
“I am optimistic that we will catch more smugglers and drugs this year with the strengthened coordination between the elements of NAIA-DITG against illegal drugs smuggling,” the Customs chief said.
The suspects and the confiscated shabu were turned over to PDEA for investigation and proper disposition.
Charges for violating Section 4 in relation to Section 26, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will be filed against the suspects.