The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has lodged criminal complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against two traders allegedly involved in the illegal smuggling of drugs on two separate occasions.

In the first case, the trader was charged for unlawful importation of a shipment purportedly containing children’s playing items. However, upon inspection, authorities discovered 5,032 units of ecstasy with an estimated street value of P8.554 million. This incident occurred at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on 05 December 2022.

The second case involved the unlawful importation of a shipment declared as rose candles. However, upon examination, it was found to contain brown glass jars concealing white crystalline substance, which tested positive for the presence of ketamine. The estimated delivery duty paid (DDP) value of the ketamine was P2.120 million. This incident occurred at the UPS Warehouse Hub, Port of Clark, on May 14, 2023.

Both traders have violated Section 1430 of Republic Act No. 10863, commonly known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to Sections 4 and 26(a) of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and Sections 119 and 1400 of the CMTA.

The filing of cases demonstrates the BOC’s commitment in combating illegal activities and prosecuting smugglers.