Indian caught with P1 million opium poppy pods

MANILA, Philippines — Anti-narcotics officers arrested an Indian after he allegedly received a parcel that contained five kilos of dried opium poppy pods valued at P1 million during a controlled delivery operation in Pasay City on Tuesday night.

Amandeep Singh, 37, was handcuffed after he received the package at the Central Mail Exchange Center along Domestic Road at around 9 p.m.

Operatives from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, Bureau of Customs and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the entrapment operation after they intercepted the package, declared as cereals, sent from Spain by Sammee Singh.

The suspect, in an interview aired over GMA News’ “Unang Hirit,” claimed he was unaware the parcel contained illegal drugs as he only ordered medicines for back pain.

“Gamot sa likod. Hindi ko alam talaga,” he said.

A report from the police Drug Enforcement Group said lawmen also confiscated the suspect’s cell phone and identification cards.

The suspect is being held on the charge of importation of illegal drugs, which is a violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. – Rudy Santos