Drug syndicates continue using the country’s postal system to smuggle illegal drugs despite the government’s all-out war against narcotics.
Customs agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday intercepted at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City a package of cannabis in vape and gummy candies from Canada.
The authorities also arrested the shipment’s claimant, identified as Elvira Vicente.
The Customs-Port of NAIA conducted the operation in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and NAIA Interagency Drug Interdiction Task Group.
The package arrived at CMEC on Jan. 31 and was misdeclared as “personal gifts and clothing” containing gummies infused with cannabis and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) Vape Cartridges worth P85,299.12. It was consigned to a certain Vincent Castillo.
NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan said the illegal goods were discovered during physical examination at the CMEC window witnessed by the claimant.
“Inside the EMS package, along with chocolates, cosmetics, and clothing, undeclared 20 pouches Cannabis Infused Gummy and 49 THC Vape Cartridges were found,” she said.
PDEA officials reminded the public that cannabis, THC, or any derivatives in any form containing the substance are classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The unauthorized importation, sale, possession, cultivation, and use thereof remain punishable under the law.
The claimant and the seized items were turned over to the PDEA.
In December last year, Customs-NAIA also intercepted at CMEC P4.1 million worth shipments of party drug ecstasy smuggled from Germany and the Netherlands. The importers misdeclared the shipments as switch panels, a clear case of technical smuggling.
The Port of NAIA had a total of 30 drug busts for 2018, 31 seizures in 2019, and 43 in 2020, with more than 50 in 2021. Most of the seized drugs were cannabis, shabu, and ecstasy.
“Under the leadership of Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, BoC-NAIA continues to intensify efforts against the entry of illegal drugs into the country and protect the borders 24/7,” said Talusan.