Government agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) seized an inbound express cargo containing “ecstasy” reportedly worth more than P1.6 million.
The shipment, described by the importer as “vitamins, supplements, baby wash, and body wash,” was intercepted on Nov. 9 at the DHL Express Gateway Warehouse in NAIA.
Customs X-ray operatives examined the cargo and found 995 dark gray tablets and broken tablets of ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), known as a “party drug.”
The Port of NAIA did not disclose what country or where the smuggled cargo came from and did not identify the owners. It stated, however, that the shipper and consignee are currently under investigation and case build-up for possible prosecution for
violations of the Customs Modernization Act (CMTA).
Commissioner Bien Rubio stated that the Bureau of Customs will continue to fight against smuggling dangerous drugs and anti-social goods and that this successful interception is a testament to their unwavering border protection efforts.
“The bureau under my watch will remain relentless in border protection efforts, which include our crusade against all nefarious attempts to smuggle dangerous drugs and all anti-social goods and contraband.”
From January 2023 to the present, the Port of NAIA has already
accomplished at least 20 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.