By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), has seized two shipments containing 19.89 kilos of ketamine worth close to P100 million coming from two European countries.
In a news release Tuesday, the Bureau reported that the two shipments were seized on Oct. 22 after physical examination revealed substances suspected to be illegal drugs.
The first shipment, which originated in Switzerland and weighed 9,882 grams, was declared to contain roasted coffee beans, a coffee machine, and coffee preparation equipment. It was destined for Mandaluyong City.
The second shipment, which originated in Amsterdam and weighed 10,007 grams, was declared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder and was scheduled to be sent to Montalban, Rizal.
The PDEA laboratory confirmed that the seized substances tested positive for ketamine, a dangerous drug covered by Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
District Collector Jairus Reyes emphasized the need for stricter surveillance due to the expected increase in parcels arriving in the country this holiday season.
“We expect an increase in parcels arriving via air express carriers. Therefore, we will intensify the examination of documents and physical inspections, as well as ensuring that our X-ray machines are in good working order,” he said.
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno assured that the Bureau will continue to implement the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs.
“As we expect shipments to increase this holiday season, we will also tighten our vigilance. We will continue to strengthen inspection and operations to ensure that illegal drugs cannot enter the country,” he added.
