By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted two unclaimed and abandoned packages containing PHP22 million worth of illegal drugs at the OBC Warehouse in Pasay City.
In a statement, Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the packages were both declared as CCTV kits and subjected to verification following a tip from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Laboratory examination of extracted samples confirmed the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu” on Feb. 11.
The first package, originating from Malawi in Africa was found to contain approximately 2,370 grams of shabu while the second package, originating from Johannesburg, South Africa, contained approximately 1,012 grams.
Both packages were formally turned over to PDEA.
The interception constitutes violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
“The continued interception of illegal drugs, even in unclaimed and abandoned shipments, shows that our enforcement units remain proactive and alert,” he added.
The operation in coordination with the PDEA and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.
The latest operation brings the total value of illegal drugs seized this year to more than PHP479 million.
Reshuffle
Meanwhile, the BOC’s intelligence arm underwent a minor reshuffle amid the corruption allegations faced by one of its officers.
BOC-Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Romeo Allan Rosales ordered the temporary assignment of Paul Oliver Pacunayen, Intelligence Officer III of the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Office, to the IG-Office of the Deputy Commissioner.
The order was made “pending investigation by the Bureau of Customs of alleged corrupt acts” involving Pacunayen, who is the subject of a complaint involving alleged smuggling activities in the Port of Manila.
“He (Pacunayen) shall refrain from engaging in any operational activities outside the scope of this temporary assignment unless expressly authorized,” said the order.
Allen Dela Cruz, chief of the Intelligence Division, CIIS-IG, is temporarily assigned as office caretaker of the POM-Field Station of CIIS, the BOC order said.
Pacunayen was among those mentioned in a letter sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. by the BOC’s concerned officials, employees and stakeholders who alleged that smuggling activities have returned to the port.
CIIS Director Thomas Narcise was also mentioned in the letter. (PNA)
