P7.59 million illegal drugs seized at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines — Various illegal drugs valued at P7.59 million were intercepted at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) of the Ninoy International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City on Friday.

Airport personnel intercepted thousands of ecstasy tablets, psychoactive drug liquid gamma-hydroxybutyrate, marijuana oil and marijuana-infused jelly candies, according to Aviation Security Group director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano.

The illegal drugs were inside four suspicious parcels falsely declared as massage oil and coffee. The items were spotted and flagged during a routine X-ray screening, which was confirmed by a K-9 inspection.

“Through our vigilance, we continue to strengthen security and enhance the fight against drug smuggling,” Abrahano said in a statement.

The illegal drugs were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for laboratory analysis. An investigation is ongoing to identify the people behind the banned narcotics.

Also last Friday, police confiscated shabu worth P394,400 from two drug suspects in Quezon City.

Up to 58 grams of shabu were seized from Jet Sarda, 27, and Agnes Marie Ramirez, 34, who are facing cases of drug trafficking.

The suspects were arrested during a sting operation in a subdivision in Barangay Baesa at around noon, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Col. Melecio Buslig Jr. said in a statement.

Buslig said the suspects handed over packs of shabu to a police officer posing as a drug buyer. After they received P14,000 in marked money, other policemen appeared and placed them under arrest.

“The arrest of these suspects involved in illegal drugs is clear proof that the QCPD is committed in eradicating illegal drugs in Quezon City,” Buslig said.

Policemen confiscated a cellular phone from the suspects which could provide leads on their other cohorts.

The suspects are being held on cases of possession of dangerous drugs.