Int’l drug ring eyed in smuggling of cocaine bricks at Davao port

DAVAO CITY, Philippines   â€“ Authorities are eyeing an international drug syndicate as being behind the 47 bricks of suspected high-grade cocaine hidden in the ceiling of a refrigerated van parked at the Sumifru Wharf in Barangay Tibungco here on Friday.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 10 found 24 cocaine bricks in the compartment of the van that was said to initially contain 65 bricks.

 City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao said at least 23 more cocaine bricks were reportedly returned by employees of Sumifru to authorities.

“We are still looking for about 15 or more bricks. That is why we are asking those who are keeping them to surrender them or they suffer the consequences,” Danao said as he estimated the seized drugs at P330 million.

Duterte earlier said authorities were looking into reports that foreign vessels entering the ports of Davao City are carrying illegal drugs. 

The seized cocaine was reportedly not intended for Davao City, but for other areas.

Duterte urged anyone who has the remaining bricks in their possession to simply turn them over to the authorities as he gave the assurance that they would not be questioned, arrested or charged for stealing the drugs.

“I instructed the police not to question or arrest you. Just turn over to the authorities the bricks of cocaine.”the mayor said in his weekly television program Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa.

Duterte said he ordered the authorities to destroy the entire roof of the van to check if more cocaine bricks are hidden inside.