3 Customs employees face raps for illegal release of P12-million drug shipment

MANILA, Philippines - Bureau of Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said yesterday they might file administrative and criminal charges against three BOC personnel detailed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for the illegal release of P12 million worth of anti-ulcer drugs.

Morales refused to name names because he has yet to sign a recommendation by Internal Inquiry and Prosecution Division (IIPD) chief Willie Sarmiento, but said “all those who signed the import documents” releasing the 21,960 vials of Pantoloc (generic name pantoprazole) that were supposed to be consigned to Zuellig Pharma.

Initial investigation showed that the shipment arrived at NAIA on Jan. 27 and allegedly released to Majestic Freight Forwarders after it paid P56,599 in duties and taxes. Morales, however, said the duties and taxes were undervalued by P1,228,245.

The release was also done through informal entry, violating tariff laws stating that pharmaceutical products must be processed through formal entry. 

Last March, the BOC’s Enforcement Security Service (ESS) recovered the drugs during a raid in Barangay Masambong, Quezon City.

The 61 boxes of medicines are currently stored in an air-conditioned room at the BOC-ESS.   – Evelyn Macairan