Agents assigned to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted five drug shipments worth more than P14 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.
Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF) operatives discovered five parcels of ecstasy and its raw material at CMEC, originating from France and the Netherlands.
The shipments were consigned to five individuals, namely Ma. Isabelle Albano, Lexter Malabanan, Abelardo Rabago, Gerlyn Guinto, and Angelina Strik
Customs officials said ecstasy is a Class-A drug, which is an artificial stimulant popular among clubbers. Officials said those who take the drug can have a rush of energy, which makes them alert, excited, and happy.
The Port of NAIA is set to turn over the seized shipments to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for proper disposition.
From January 2023 to the present, the port has already accomplished at least 18 seizures of smuggled shipments of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, and the party drug ecstasy.
Most of the seized illegal drug shipments were misdeclared as toys, coffee cans, microwave ovens, boxing gloves, massage gadgets, car mufflers, wedding dresses, chairs, baby cribs, and religious items.
Customs agents recently intercepted a passenger who was caught carrying a bag loaded with more than P18 million worth of cocaine from Addis Ababa.
The woman traveler arrived from Hong Kong on board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET644 and was originally from Addis Ababa, her port of origin.
Her baggage was recommended for 100% physical examination by the Customs examiner, resulting in the discovery of 3.4 kilos of cocaine.