Armed with the marching order of the President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the proliferation of drugs in the Philippines, the Bureau of Customs have turned over P3, 027,570.00 worth of seized illegal drugs to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Tuesday.
Five parcels of marijuana and one ecstasy parcel at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) have been intercepted by customs agents after x-ray machines showed image irregularities.
The parcels were either declared as food additives, apparels, handbags, and school supplies. The seized marijuana weighed a total of 10,091.9 grams.
The consignees of the parcels are Mark Dinglasan (ecstasy) with address at 435 F. Ortigas St., Hagdang Bato Townhomes, Brgy. Hagdang Bato Itaas, Mandaluyong City; Joel Shila with address at 52 Panorama St. SSS. Vil. Marikina City; Vicky Alvarez from 14 Sto. Nino St. Marikina City; Kim Equipado with address at Blk 7 Lot 6 Rivotorio St., Brgy. Maharlika, San Juan; James Garcia; and Divino Peleo.
“Some of the parcels which arrived at CMEC are from USA,” Commissioner Isidro Lapena said.
After undergoing x-ray examination, customs examiners conduct a physical examination with the presence of the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Taskforce for confirmation of illegal substances, Lapena bared.
“The subsequent tests conducted by PDEA revealed positive reactions to drugs that’s why the packages were seized,” the customs chief said.
Charges will be filed against the consignee for violation of provisions of RA 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and RA 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
Under Republic Act 9165, marijuana is classified as a dangerous drug.
Section 119 (d) of CMTA states that marijuana and other habit-forming drugs are classified as prohibited imports.
The seized parcel has been turned over to PDEA for proper disposal. (BOC-PR)
