Sub-port of Mactan lauded for averting drug smuggling

CEBU, Philippines — Acting Cebu Customs District Collector Ciriaco Ugay has commended the Sub-port of Mactan for its vigilance and prompt action that prevented an attempt to smuggle at the Mactan Cebu International Airport an estimated P2.5 million worth of cocaine from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates early this month.

Ugay said the quick response of the personnel from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in Mactan led to the eventual interception of the 1,534 kilograms of cocaine and the arrest of the suspect at the Clark International Airport.

The close coordination of customs personnel and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 with the Bureau of Immigration has led to their successful identification of a drug courier on board a flight from Dubai to Cebu to Clark.

Since the flight routing was Dubai-Cebu-Clark, authorities checked with Emirates the final airport destination of the suspect. Based on the passenger manifest provided by Emirates, the passenger's port of disembarkation was found to be at Clark International Airport.

The Sub-port of Mactan led by collector Gerardo Campo immediately alerted their counterparts in Clark resulting in the arrest and the confiscation of the illegal drugs.

“Their swift and efficient action resulted in the immediate arrest of the courier and apprehension of the illegal drugs at the Clark International Airport,” Ugay said.

“I commend the Sub-port of Mactan for this accomplishment. Their response to this smuggling attempt is highly laudable. Their steadfast commitment guarantees that smuggled goods do not slip past our jurisdiction. Our officers not only demonstrated their dedication to protect our country from the dangers of illegal drugs, but exemplified excellence and professionalism in performing their duties," he added.

According to Ugay, anti-smuggling efforts in Cebu have been intensified under his watch.

To recall, the Sub-port of Mactan also intercepted in February this year about 17 kilos of shabu worth P120 million from a South African passenger from Doha, Qatar. —/FPL (FREEMAN)