Two shipments containing 11.5 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) worth P57.5 million were seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on separate occasions at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The shipments, which were declared as toys, showed suspicious x-ray images that prompted physical examination. A Customs-NAIA examiner found a mass of white crystalline substance concealed in multiple layers of plastics that reacted positively to tests for shabu.
The first 6-kilogram package of shabu, declared under informal entry number 255056 and airway BL 78855477599, was apprehended on November 29. It was consigned to Rogelio Almodiel, 41, of 11 North Stamford Residence Tower, Upper Mckinley Road Corner Florence, Taguig City.
On December 1, BOC agents found another package, this time containing 5.5 kilograms of shabu. The receiver was identified as Hasmine Erquiza, of 32 St. Vicente Villa España Subdivision, Brgy. Tatalon, Quezon City.
Both shipments came from one Tyler Wilson of 4313 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, California.
The packages containing illegal drugs were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for safekeeping.
In a separate operation, elements of the BOC and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) nabbed a Colombian drug mule on November 12.
Alberto Pedroza Quijano, 67, was arrested after he was found to have swallowed 79 rubber pellets containing cocaine worth P8.8 million.
“There was a tip from the US Homeland Security Investigation that an incoming passenger of Emirates Airlines flight EK 332 would be bringing in illegal drugs,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said in a statement.
Customs examiners inspected Quijano’s baggage but found no traces of drugs. The suspect, however, complained of stomach ache and was immediately brought by NAIA-IADITG agents to the Pasay General Hospital.
An x-ray exam led to the discovery of 1,172.168 grams of white powdery substance concealed in 79 pellets inside Quijano’s stomach.
Lapeña said the drugs are now in the custody of PDEA. Quijano has been brought to the Department of Justice for inquest proceedings.
Cases of violating Republic Act No. 9165, and Sections 118(c) and 119(g) of R.A. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, will be filed against the suspects.
