P2.3 million drugs in parcels found in post office

CEBU, Philippines — Around P2.3 million worth of dangerous drugs placed in undelivered parcels were uncovered at the Mandaue Central Post Office Monday.

The post office immediately reported the 20 “return-to-sender” parcels containing anti-depressants and pain relievers, which are prescription drugs and cannot be bought over the counter, to the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7.

"The dangerous drugs, mostly regulated anti-depressants and pain relievers, were discovered concealed in more or less 20 return-to-sender parcels, which were scheduled for disposal after the senders could no longer be located,” read PDEA-7’s statement.

PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Albiar said the parcels, which were declared to contain souvenir items, tools, and toys, were supposed to be delivered outside the country.

However, the consignees were not located by the post office.

P3.4M Shabu seized

Meanwhile, PDEA-7 recovered drugs worth at least P3.4 million from a high-value individual in Barangay Banilad, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Monday.

PDEA-7 identified the arrested suspect as Ronald Japon, 37, a lineman and driver from Barangay Mangnao of the said city.

Confiscated from Japon were six packs of shabu weighing at least 500 grams with estimated value of P3.4 million.

Japon, Albiar said, was placed under surveillance for one week for a case buildup following the tip from an informant.

The investigation revealed that Japon could dispose of up to 100 grams of illegal drugs per week.

Cases for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed against the suspect. — KQD (FREEMAN)