P3-M ecstasy tablets seized in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently seized a shipment of the party drug ecstasy, with a street value of P3 million, coursed through the Manila post office.

In a statement issued yesterday, the BOC’s Enforcement Group (EG) said its agents closely monitored the package of 2,009 tablets sent from the Netherlands until they were received by Sandra Nebrida on May 24.

Nebrida was arrested and turned over to the PDEA, which confirmed that the tablets contained 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, the scientific name for the party drug.

Meanwhile, BOC-EG Deputy Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said he is waiting for president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to appoint the next EG chief.

“Our accomplishments and good performance on anti-drug operations are clear manifestations of our commitment to eradicate illegal drugs, which fortunately is in line with one of the programs of the incoming president, Rodrigo Duterte. Likewise, since I recognize that the incoming president has a free hand to choose who to appoint to top level positions in the BOC, I welcome the person who may be appointed to replace me as deputy commissioner for enforcement,” he said.

He added that he has prepared a preliminary report to be submitted to the office of incoming BOC chief Nicanor Faeldon. It contains all of the EG’s programs, proposals and recommendations.

He also said that he “would also coordinate personally with my replacement on the details of these plans in order to ensure a seamless turnover of existing and planned programs.”