PDEA: Delivery apps being used to transport drugs

Drug couriers have shifted to a more “innovative” mode of delivery of illegal drugs such as ecstasy tablets and shabu, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has found.

PDEA operatives nabbed suspects who admitted using delivery apps to transport their products, according to an exclusive 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Wednesday.

Renz Nicole Avendaño and her two other cohorts were arrested along Teacher’s Village in Quezon City and found to be in possession of ecstasy tablets and shabu.

“‘Yong source nito is napaka-innovative. Aside sa walang physical na abutan para hindi siya mahuli, tapos ‘yong concealment method nila is napaka-organized,” PDEA Team Leader Art Alagabia said.

During a test purchase conducted by the PDEA, operatives received a package from a deliveryman onboard a motorcycle.

The package contained beauty products like face masks, creams, and lotions, but a closer look revealed illegal drugs hidden beneath the items.

In a separate incident, PDEA uncovered ecstasy tablets and liquid ecstasy from a package containing a cup and chopsticks set.

Alagabia urged couriers to thoroughly inspect the packages that they receive.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News