MANILAbk8, Philippines — Authorities have intercepted a total of 21 abandoned parcels at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City in a major sting operation, uncovering illegal drugs with an estimated street value of nearly P13 million.
The parcels, initially thought to contain books, wiring harnesses, skincare products and clothes, were flagged by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group during routine screening last Thursday.
After detecting irregularities in the X-ray scan, authorities conducted a K-9 inspection, uncovering 7.79 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, or kush, worth P10.9 million, along with 1,229 ecstasy tablets valued at P2.08 million.
The origin of the parcels remains undisclosed as investigators work with their international counterparts for further examination.
The consignee, or recipient, of the parcels is also under investigation.
“We are working to verify the identities and addresses involved and aim to file charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act,” Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) spokesman Arvin Targa said in an interview.
The seized drugs are now in the custody of PDEA for laboratory examination.bk8