MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday said it foiled a smuggling attempt earlier this month involving 3,004 pieces of ecstasy tablets worth PHP5 million concealed in a shipment declared as "animal food."
In a belated statement, Port of Clark District Collector Jairus Reyes said the parcel, which arrived on June 4 and valued at approximately PHP5.126 million, originated from Paris, France and was intended for delivery to Taguig City.
He said the interdiction stemmed from derogatory information relayed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regarding an incoming shipment. Acting on the tip, Customs examiners and PDEA operatives conducted a K-9 sniff test on June 5, which yielded positive results for narcotics.
A full physical inspection revealed that the ecstasy tablets had been cleverly concealed in four transparent pouches hidden within dog food pellets — "an apparent ploy to evade X-ray detection by mimicking the shape and color of pet feed," Reyes said.
"Every successful interdiction directly protects the health, safety, and future of every Filipino. By keeping harmful substances out, we are not only safeguarding our borders, we are ensuring the well-being of every Filipino household," Reyes said.
Chemical analysis conducted by PDEA on the submitted samples confirmed the substance as methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a dangerous drug listed under Republic Act 9165, as amended.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment.
"Preventing illegal drugs from entering at the border is a crucial first line of defense — it keeps them from reaching our communities, where they can cause irreparable harm," BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
"It protects families and reinforces public safety. Backed by President Marcos Jr.’s strong vision for a drug-resistant society, the Bureau of Customs will continue to act decisively and vigilantly."(PNA)