MANILA — Three parcels containing suspected shabu, valued at over PHP100 million, were recently confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Clark, Pampanga.
The illegal substances, initially labeled as “brochures” from Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois in the United States, arrived on December 18, 2023.
The port’s X-ray Inspection Project raised suspicions, leading to a thorough inspection that unveiled plastic pouches containing crystalline materials suspected to be shabu.
District Collector Erastus Sandino Austria disclosed that the estimated street value of the seized drugs amounted to PHP103,113,600. A chemical laboratory analysis by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed the presence of shabu, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In response to the discovery, Austria issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments, citing a violation of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in connection with RA 9165. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio pledged to maintain collaborations with law enforcement agencies to prevent the illicit entry of drugs into the country.
“While there is still work to be done in the Bureau of Customs to enhance our efforts against illegal attempts to import controlled substances, we remain committed to strengthening coordination with our partner law enforcement agencies to protect our nation from the detrimental effects of drug trafficking,” Rubio stated in a released statement.
(Jr Amigo/IA/MNM)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is waging a drug war that avoids bloodshed, thus undermining the scrutiny and condemnation of international oversight organizations.
Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers stated on Sunday that the government’s approach has garnered strong public support for the apprehension and rehabilitation of drug users and the subsequent arrest of suspected drug kingpins.
“It’s a bloodless battle, demonstrating that we can combat the drug menace without loss of life,” said Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
Barbers argued that Marcos’ strategy is an effective one, having earned the trust and backing of the public in the fight against illegal drugs in the country.
He also noted that more family members of drug dependents have come forward with crucial information, resulting in the successful apprehension and subsequent rehabilitation of drug users.
“By avoiding violence when pursuing suspects, our law enforcement can reduce anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge among our people, and simultaneously diminish the attention and condemnation from international watchdog groups,” he added.
Barbers urged law enforcement agencies to maintain their current approach, emphasizing the need for the administration’s anti-drug campaign to remain peaceful and non-violent.
He called on local government officials and barangay officers to stay vigilant in preventing the spread and use of illicit substances.
“It is vital that they actively engage in President BBM’s anti-drug efforts. They, along with airport, seaport, and free port zone officials, serve as our first line of defense in this campaign,” he said. (ai/mnm)