By Betheena Kae Unite
Three shipments containing P74.8-million shabu concealed in cargoes declared as chairs, cooking grill, and bar stools were busted in Port of Clark, the Bureau of Customs said today.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chemists unboxes the siezed shabu as Director General Aaron Aquino presents the recovered 11 kilograms of shabu worth P74.8 Million during a controlled delivery operation in Paranaque and Cavite at PDEA Main Activity Area, PDEA Bldg., Quezon City. The suspicious package is reported from a freight forwarding service in Clark Freeport Zone. (PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN/MANILA BULLETIN)
The 11.5 kilograms of of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were concealed in separate parcels consigned to various individuals, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.
Through strict profiling, Lapeña added, the parcels were subjected to x-ray examination and K9 inspection.
"Immediately, after the examination indicated the presence of drugs, the joint elements of the Bureau's Enforcement and Security Service (ESS)- Customs Anti-Drugs Task Force, and Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 3 and PDEA NCR conducted three controlled delivery operations on Monday, June 4," Lapeña said.
To apprehend the suspect and secure evidence against them, the bureau and anti-drug operatives conducted three controlled deliveries.
Controlled delivery is an entrapment operation where the package will still be delivered to the consignee to secure evidence.
A parcel consigned to a certain Arthur Santiago was delivered in Barangay San Martin de Porres. It was declared to contain chair. The team, however, arrested the suspect identified as Dolores Dela Cruz Lintag after receiving the parcel of shabu.
Another anti-illegal drugs controlled delivery operation was conducted in the same barangay leading to the arrest of Melchor Robelles Corocoto who received the alleged parcel of dangerous drugs, which was consigned to Marilou Fabi Mendez. The parcel was declared as cooking grill.
The last controlled delivery operation took place at Molino Road in Barangay San Nicolas, Lessandra Executive Subdivision. Lot 5 Block 4 Bacoor, Cavite. Two suspects identified as Wilkiam Ibañez Dela Piza and Daniel Roberts Andrada were arrested. The parcel was consigned to a certain Mark Fojas and was declared as bar stools.
A warrant of seizure and detention on the contraband will be issued by the Office of the District Collector of Port of Clark for violating Sections 118, 119, and 1113 of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Section 5, Article II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.