Over P21M worth of illegal drugs seized at Pasay mail hub

Bureau of Customs (BOC) operatives have seized more than P21.4 million worth of suspected shabu and high-grade marijuana, or kush, from unclaimed parcels at a mail delivery service hub in Pasay City.

According to the BOC, the suspected illegal drugs—valued at P21,405,900—were found inside five unclaimed inbound parcels at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on December 15.

The BOC said the parcels were declared as various consumer items, including an outdoor wall lamp, bag, digital media discs, merchandise, and a book.

However, a physical inspection yielded 2,928 grams of shabu with an estimated standard value of P19.9 million and 997 grams of kush with an estimated street value of P1.5 million.

“These interceptions reflect the Bureau’s sustained efforts to detect and prevent the entry of illegal drugs through postal and courier channels," BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said in a news release.

"We remain resolute in protecting our borders and the welfare of the public,” he added.

The seized items were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition and further investigation.

The BOC said the case constitutes violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The BOC, however, did not provide information on the identity of the suspects.—MCG, GMA Integrated News