The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) two suspects and a package storing some 3.5 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) worth about P17.5 million that was seized recently at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The suspects, Francis Melvin Feliciano, 26, and Raquel Kilario Dela Cruz, were nabbed after trying to claim the package by presenting a fake ID of a certain Michael Espino Cruz with address at 121-C Kowloon St., BF Homes, Parañaque, BOC said in a statement.
The shipment sent by one Jason Lee of 340 E 1st, California, USA, was declared to contain toys but was found, after a 100% physical examination by customs examiners, to contain a mass of white crystalline substance.
“The suspicious image shown during x-ray inspection prompted the 100% physical examination. The matter was referred to the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force for initial drug test which resulted positive for methamphetamine,” Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.
The package that contained the illegal drugs was found in a FedEx warehouse in PAL/PSI building on December 11.
The illegal drugs and the suspects have been turned over to PDEA on December 21 for further investigation.
Meanwhile, 11.5 kilos of shabu worth P57.5 million that were seized by the BOC on separate occasions were turned over to PDEA on December 12.
Two shipments, also declared as toys and from the U.S., were consigned to a certain Rogelio Almodiel, 41, of 11 North Stamford Residence Tower, Upper Mckinley Road, Taguig City, and to Hasmine Erquiza, of 32 St. Vicente, Villa España Subdivision, Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City.
Another attempt to smuggle illegal drugs was foiled by the BOC-NAIA with the apprehension of a Colombian drug mule, identified as Alberto Pedroza Quijano, who had reportedly swallowed 79 rubber pallets of cocaine. The 1.172 kilos of cocaine were estimated to be worth P8.8 million.
