Gov’t busts P7.6-M party drugs concealed in boxes of gummy candies
Smuggled ecstasy, known as party drugs, worth P7.6 million are seen here concealed in boxes of gummy candies. (Photo by the Bureau of Customs)
MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency seized P7,634,000 worth of ecstasy, known as party drugs, concealed inside boxes of gummy candies at the Port of Clark in Pampanga last April 2.
According to the BOC, the shipment from Brussels, Belgium and bound for Quezon City, underwent a K-9 sniff test. The positive results for illegal substance prompted authorities to conduct a full physical examination on the parcel.
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“The inspection revealed seven boxes containing gummy candies, which also concealed a total of 4,491 tablets suspected to be Ecstasy or MDMA [Methylenedioxymethamphetamine],” the BOC said in a statement on Wednesday.
BOC emphasized that MDMA is classified as an illegal and prohibited drug under the Republic Act (RA) No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
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The BOC noted that a warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment for violating provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to RA No. 9165.
District Collector Jairus Reyes in the same statement warned smugglers and consignees with attempts to exploit the country’s borders that “the Port of Clark will not be a gateway for illegal drugs.”
