MANILA — Two suspected “shabu” importers were arrested and a total of PHP 20 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in two separate operations in the cities of Makati and Manila on Friday.
The operations conducted by the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other agents from the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) stemmed from a tip from the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
“In the afternoon of April 27, the joint elements of NAIA-IADITG nabbed Antonio Lobiano Baguinbin, 38 years old, a resident of Sta. Ana, Manila and Gundelina B. David, 64 years old, a resident of 182 Pedro Gil St. Malate, Manila,” said Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña in a statement released on Saturday.
Baguinbin was arrested after importing two kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” worth PHP10 million concealed in a package declared as home furniture -car seat booster.
Upon inspection, found inside the package are two pouches of 821.4 grams and 1,251.4 grams of white colorless crystalline substance.
It was shipped from 24900, Anza Drive, Valencia, California, US by a certain Schiit Audio and arrived on April 23 at the FedEx Warehouse. The package was originally consigned to Arnel Montilla of Montojo St., Makati City.
David was apprehended for importing two kilos of “shabu” also worth PHP10 million concealed in a parcel declared as baby crib.
The package was sent by Robert Knight of California to a certain Phoy M. Dela Cruz with address at 1605 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila.
Baguinbin presented an ID bearing the name of the Phoy DelaCruz while David showed an authorization letter from Montilla.
Lapeña said the packages were subjected to controlled delivery to identify the personalities involved in the importation of the illegal drugs.
The suspects are now in the custody of PDEA and will be charged with violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
