The Customs bureau at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is implementing stricter measures for monitoring and inspecting incoming parcels after it foiled an attempt to smuggle illegal narcotics into the country.
Customs district collector Edgar Macabeo said he ordered his men to more strictly inspect all in-coming parcels at the Central Mail Exchange Center and other Bureau of Customs houses after a failed attempt to smuggle 1.4 kilograms of marijuana leaves and 251 tablets of Ecstasy from California, United States; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
“Every parcel has to be examined thoroughly after it passes through the x-ray machine before it is released,” Macabeo said.
He disclosed that the smugglers tried to slip the contraband into the country through the Naia by declaring the parcels containing them as computer parts and used kids apparel. He, however, added that since the parcels laden with marijuana leaves and illegal narcotics arrived last May 11, nobody came to claim it so they decided on Wednesday to check it out.
Macabeo said unscrupulous persons try to send illegal merchandise through parcels to easily avoid being arrested.
Three months ago, Macabeo’s men seized P2 million worth of Ecstasy and methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.
A parcel, supposed to be containing amino supplements, was also found with 960 Ecstasy tablets worth P1.44-million.
Smugglers also used a bicycle to conceal 53 grams of shabu from Quezon City en route to Saudi Arabia, while another 16 grams were discovered inside leather shoes bound for Europe.
Authorities said Ecstasy was a Class-A drug, an artificial stimulant popular among clubbers. They added those who take the drug experience a rush of energy that makes them alert, excited and happy.
However, those taking the drug can feel anxious or get panic attacks, and develop confused episodes, paranoia or even psychosis.
Some 200 ecstasy-related deaths have been reported in the United Kingdom since 2006.
Just recently, five attendees in a “rave party” in Pasay City died allegedly after ingesting a lethal synthetic party drug composed of Ecstasy and other prohibited substances.
Six suspected drug peddlers were arrested in separate operations in Pasay City and Parañaque City a few days after the tragic event. They are Joshua Habalo, Sergeoh Villanueva, Marc Deen, Martin Dimacali, Thomas Halili and Eric Valbuena.
National Bureau of Investigation forensic expert Rommel Papa said traces of methylenedioxymethamphetamine methyl homolog and methylenedioxy cathinone were found in the body of one of the two victims they autopsied.
“Based on the autopsy report several specimens were taken including blood, liver and the brain, kidney, stomach contents and the presence of MDMA methyline homolog and methylenedioxy cathinone was detected in the deceased,” Papa said.
But upon the request of the victims’ families, the NBI refused to divulge who among the two autopsied fatalities tested positive for the poisonous drugs.