TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Aug. 28  (PIA) -- Detection dogs of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle some 50 grams of illegal drugs via a forwarding company. 

A modus which was exposed years ago after suspects confessed their illegal shipment arrives through cargo forwarding companies is now being used again.

On Aug. 21, at 3:15 p.m., PDEA operatives and its K9 unit conducted a routine random inspection on the parcels sent through a forwarding company branch in Poblacion 2, Tagbilaran City.

Led by the new PDEA leadership under Intelligence Officer V Joseph Theodore Atilla, the team coordinated with the forwarding company to check on contrabands and illegal drugs possibly hidden in the parcels.

At one time during the inspection, PDEA dogs NDD Uno and Hyper showed signs that one of the parcels could contain dangerous drugs.

In the presence of witnesses, the authorities opened the suspicious parcel, and upon inspection, found a pack of around 50 grams of suspected shabu concealed inside a blue belt bag.

According to Atilla in radio interviews, the parcel came from Iligan and they have investigated the consignee and sender for the said items.

Valued at P340,000, the haul is the first and biggest yet that PDEA Bohol confiscated from a courier.

During the joint online Provincial Peace and Order Council, Anti-Drug Abuse Council, and ELCAC meeting, Camp Dagohoy said they were able to confiscate 1,071.83 grams of illegal drugs from 147 operations beginning January to April 2021.

The biggest bulk of confiscated drugs came in March when narcotics agents confiscated 738.89 grams of meth substances believed to be shabu during 45 operations. 

The month summed up a total of P5,024,452 of drugs based on the Dangerous Drugs Board value seized during 45 operations and led to the arrest of 47 suspected persons.

In February, PDEA also netted a total of P1,242,884 from its 44 operations and arrested 48 suspects.

In January, from 23 operations and after arresting 28 suspects, PDEA confiscated 76.55 grams of substances believed to be shabu and with a street value of P510,540. 

In April, PDEA operatives confiscated 73.76 grams of shabu valued at P501,568 after 35 operations and arrested 37 suspects. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)