Consignor of sandals with drugs identified

CEBU, Philippines - The consignor of the shipment of hollowed-out sandals that contained P8 million worth of shabu intercepted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 last week has been identified based on a document that was submitted by the private courier used to send the parcel.

Mauro Licen, PDEA-7 legal counsel, said the person used the name Sheila Mae Baltazar of Alabang, Muntinlupa City, however they are convinced this is just an alias.

The parcel was received here by Editha Paul and her daughter Maricris who were promptly arrested after they received the parcel in the office of the courier.

Licen said that they will conduct a deeper investigation to get the real identity of the consignor. 

Editha and Maricris did not reveal the name of person who asked them to receive the parcel. In refusing to reveal this information, Licen said PDEA-7 is forced to presume that the package belong to them.

"Kay wa man sila motug-an kung kinsa ang tag-iya, ang presumption sa pagkakaron, sila mao'y tag-iya," he said.

The private courier cooperated in the operation as they were instructed by the PDEA to transport the shipment even though it contained drugs.

Licen said they are now planning to meet with all the private couriers operating in Central Visayas so they can coordinate with them in case another shipment with hidden drugs goes out.

After the Pauls were arrested last week a man was also arrested by PDEA- 6 for claiming a package containing P7 million worth of shabu inside a mall in Bacolod City. The drugs were also hidden in hollowed-out sandals.  (FREEMAN)