Authorities intercepted more than P10 million worth of suspected ecstasy concealed inside a parcel from Canada before arresting a 37-year-old American who claimed the shipment at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.
The package, declared to contain assorted food items, personal belongings, clothing, candies, cereals, and other household goods, was flagged during routine X-ray screening and manual inspection by Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel. It was later subjected to a K-9 inspection by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs.
A thorough examination uncovered about 2,385 grams of a black crystalline substance believed to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, with an estimated standard drug price of P10,136,250. Authorities also recovered 942 pink tablets suspected to be dangerous drugs concealed among the parcel’s declared contents.
The American was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, in a joint operation by the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP), BOC, PDEA, and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG). He was informed of his constitutional rights following his arrest.
Customs officials described ecstasy as a synthetic stimulant commonly associated with the nightclub scene, saying the drug can produce a rush of energy that leaves users feeling alert, excited, and euphoric.
The seized evidence was turned over to the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, while the case was referred to the National Bureau of Investigation for further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This successful interdiction demonstrates our dedication to ensuring the security of the country’s entry points. In collaboration with our partner agencies, we remain resolute in our efforts to prevent illegal drugs from infiltrating our communities,” PNP-AVSEGROUP Director Brig. Gen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. said.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.