P23.5 million ecstasy seized

MANILA, Philippines — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confiscated on Wednesday P23.5 million worth of ecstasy pills at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

The party drugs were discovered during a sweep of postal packages at the CMEC, according to PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon.

Carreon said the contraband was concealed in eight parcels declared as either coffee brands, LED lights and cosmetic products. The items originated from Belgium, United States and The Netherlands.

PDEA National Capital Region field office director Adrian Alvarino said they inspected the unclaimed parcels as part of profiling measures.

He said two of the parcels consisting of 2,296 ecstasy tablets worth P3.9 million were addressed to Ding Dailo of Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Two other parcels consigned to Monica Sanchez of Malate, Manila, contained 4,032 ecstasy pills valued at P6.85 million.

Alvarino said another package containing 4,328 ecstasy tablets worth P7.35 million was addressed to Romeo Timon of Angeles City, Pampanga.

Therese de la Cruz of Las Piñas City, was the consignee of a parcel with 1,521 ecstasy tables valued at P2.58 million.

Another package consisting of 1,647 ecstasy pills worth P2.79 million was addressed to Jeremy Alvaro while the last parcel, which contained vape cartidges with marijuana oil was consigned to Reynaldo Tomarong.

Alvarino said they are conducting an investigation to identify the people or groups responsible for smuggling the drugs into the country.

In Makati, John Edward Sayson, 25, was nabbed for alleged possession of over P2.5 million worth of shabu.

In Manila, 14 suspected drug pushers, including a 64-year-old woman, were arrested during separate stings in the past two days. — Rey Galupo, Ghio Ong