TWO inbound cargo parcels containing thousands of tablets suspected to be illegal drugs worth P7 million were intercepted during a joint interdiction operation at a major cargo facility in Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
The discovery was made after the parcels were subjected to routine X-ray screening by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, which revealed suspicious contents inconsistent with their declared items.
This prompted immediate coordination with the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) as member of Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, leading to a thorough examination conducted in the presence of concerned government agencies.
A narcotics detection dog of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was deployed during the inspection and positively indicated the presence of illegal substances in both parcels. Subsequent opening and inventory revealed a total of 4,124 tablets suspected to be ecstasy, concealed inside packages declared as automotive accessories. Initial on-site presumptive drug testing conducted by operatives of PDEA yielded positive results for illegal drugs.
Nepomuceno said the first parcel contained 2,693 purple tablets with an estimated standard drug price value of P4,591,275, while the second parcel yielded 1,431 tablets of varying colors, valued at approximately P,448,850. The combined estimated value of the seized drugs amounted to P7,040,125.
Based on initial findings, the parcels originated from Innsbruck, Austria and were intended for delivery to a consignee in Davao City.
Meantime, all recovered items were properly documented, resealed, and placed under custodial control for further laboratory examination and case build-up. Confirmatory testing will be conducted at the appropriate forensic laboratory.
PBGen Dionisio B Bartolome, Jr, Director of the PNP AVSEGROUP, stated: “This successful interception highlights the collective vigilance, professionalism, and seamless coordination of all authorities involved, reaffirming our shared commitment to strengthening border security and relentlessly combating transnational drug trafficking through our air cargo gateways.”
