Valium, marijuana seized from Pakistani

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apprehended a Pakistani national after agents recovered from his house in Parañaque City an estimated of P1 million worth of assorted medicines and 107 grams of marijuana.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco said combined elements of their Reaction Arrest and Interdiction Division (RAID) and Special Task Force (STF) arrested Sami Amanullah, 38, at his house in BF Homes, Parañaque last July 14.

Agents said they discovered 780 tablets of Valium of (5 mg.), several Ventolin inhalers, Betnovate ointments and Para-tulle brand of gauze used in dressing wounds. The seized products reportedly came from Pakistan.

Also allegedly seized from the house was 107.1714 grams of marijuana.

According to a medical website, Valium comes from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms.

The regulated drug Valium is commonly used to relieve anxiety, nervousness and tension associated with anxiety disorder.

It is said to be habit forming, wherein constant intake without prescription can make a person physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Each tablet costs P34.

The NBI said consuming 10 mg. of Valium could lead to drug overdose.

Agents earlier received a tip that Amanullah was allegedly engaged in the illegal storing and selling of medicines.

A check with the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) showed that he was not an owner of a licensed drug establishment and was not authorized to sell drugs, including dangerous drugs.

"Mere possession of Valium without prescription is already a crime," Wycoco said.

Amanullah has reportedly been in the country since the early ’90s. He had been in possession of the drugs for about half a year, the NBI said.

The STF and RAID obtained a search warrant from Manila Judge Antonio Eugenio.

They charged the Pakistani for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, before the Parañaque City Prosecutor’s Office.

Amanullah denied owning the marijuana, claiming it was planted by NBI operatives.

As for the medicines, he explained that he got it from a friend, "but I have not sold it to anyone and that I am still applying for a license."

He added that the serving of the warrant was illegal because it was done without the presence of a barangay representative.