Customs seizes P5 million worth of ecstasy in Cebu

Authorities seized more than P5 million worth of ecstasy in a package declared as women’s clothes and arrested the claimant in a law enforcement operation in Cebu City.

Based on a report released on Tuesday, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) port of NAIA and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a controlled delivery operation which led to the arrest of the claimant in Cebu City on Monday, July 18.

The authorities also seized the package which originated from the Netherlands and was found to contain 2,984 pieces of ecstasy with an estimated value of P5,072,800.

The claimant will face charges for possible violation of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drug Act and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Meanwhile, BOC-NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan vowed continued partnership with other agencies to catch illegal drugs and illegally imported goods.

The BOC-NAIA, in coordination with NAIA-Inter-agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) and PDEA, remained active in intercepting illegal drugs and strengthening borders after at least 31 drug-related busts, 43 drug busts in 2020, and 57 drug busts in 2021 reported, according to the agency.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News