P21 million shabu in courier van seized

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation operatives intercepted about P21 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu being transported in a courier firm’s van in Las Piñas on July 30, NBI Director Jaime Santiago reported yesterday.

He said the NBI’s special task force (STF) received information about a courier vehicle carrying illegal drugs in a 25-kilo box.

The vehicle was on the way to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the package scheduled to be put on a flight to Nigeria at 7 p.m., according to the NBI.

STF operatives had the courier van’s driver pull over along C-5 Drive in Barangay Manuyo Dos.

The shipment was allegedly sent by Nigerian Jude Muogolum Okinyi and a Filipina identified as Anjanette Mila.

A narcotics detection dog confirmed the presence of illegal drugs in the courier van.

The operatives proceeded to Manuela Subdivision, also in Las Piñas, where they found the suspects. Mila admitted to shipping the package, Santiago said.

The shabu was hidden in the LED wall lamps and floodlights, the NBI reported. The shabu weighed 3,087.25 grams, with a street value of P20,991,600 at P6,800 per gram.

According to the waybill, the shipment was consigned to Ifedirichukwu Uchuaka in Onitsha, Nigeria. 

Okinyi and Mila were arrested and underwent drug tests. The Nigerian was found positive. 

The suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Las Piñas prosecutor’s office for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

Okinyi will be referred to the Bureau of Immigration for further disposition.