A joint operation of the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group on April 27 resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of P20 million worth of illegal drugs in separate occasions in Makati and Manila.
The operation stemmed from a tip from the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
Arrested were 38-year-old Antonio Lobiano Baguinbin, a resident of Sta. Ana, Manila, and 64-year-old Gundelina B. David, a resident of 182 Pedro Gil St. Malate, Manila
Baguinbin was arrested for importing two kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P10 million concealed in a package declared as home furniture–car seat booster. Inside the package were two pouches of 821.4 grams and 1,251.4 grams of white colorless crystalline substance.
Shipped from 24900, Anza Drive, Valencia, California, US by a certain Schiit Audio, the package arrived on April 23 at the FedEx Warehouse. It was originally consigned to Arnel Montilla of Montojo St., Makati City.
Meanwhile, David was arrested for importing two kilos of shabu worth P10 million concealed in a parcel declared as baby crib.
The package was sent by Robert Knight of California to a certain Phoy M. Delacruz with address at 1605 Pedro Gil St., Ermita, Manila.
Baguinbin presented an ID bearing the name of the Phoy DelaCruz while David showed an authorization letter from Montilla when they were claiming the packages.
Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the packages were subjected to controlled delivery to identify the personalities involved in the illegal importation.
Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 defines control delivery as an “investigative technique of allowing an unlawful or suspect consignment of any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical, equipment or paraphernalia, or property believed to be derived directly or indirectly from any offense, to pass into, through or out of the country under the supervision of an authorized officer, with a view to gathering evidence to identify any person involved in any dangerous drugs related offense, or to facilitate prosecution of that offense.”
The suspects are now in the custody of PDEA and will be charged for violation of RA 9165.
