By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
A shipment containing over P1.161 million worth of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as “ecstasy,” that was concealed within a heating boiler was intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC)—Port of Clark.
The shipment, declared as “Central Heating Boiler,” originated from Germany and arrived on December 4, 2024.
Unusual images were detected through detailed profiling and x-ray scanning by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) inspectors. This was followed by a K-9 sniff test and a thorough physical examination that unraveled 2.05 kilograms of ecstasy hidden within the shipment.
The joint physical examination was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office III, PNP Aviation Security Unit General Aviation, PNP Drug Enforcement Group III, NBI Pampanga, and Barangay Officials of Dau, Mabalacat City.
Field testing by PDEA confirmed the presence of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for the shipment for violations of Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs f, i, and l (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.
-avds