The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle ecstasy tablets, or “party drugs,” valued at P8.314 million at the Port of Clark.
The illegal drugs were intercepted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).
The shipment, concealed among the coffee beans inside the three boxes, which had been shipped from the Netherlands was subjected to K9 inspection by CAIDTF and PDEA, both of which confirmed the presence of illegal drugs.
“Physical examination of the shipment revealed one box of espresso capsules and three boxes of coffee beans,” the BOC said in a statement.
Samples were turned over to PDEA for chemical analysis, confirming that the tablets contained Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as Ecstasy.
The BOC reiterates its commitment to protect the country against the importation of illegal drugs and hazardous substances into the country, the BOC added.
