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A package containing cannabis-infused vape cartridges and gummy candies was seized at the Central Mail Exchange Center
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The package from Canada was declared to contain “personal gifts and clothing”
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The arrested claimant and seized illegal goods were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for inquest proceedings and further drug tests
Government operatives on January 31 arrested the claimant to a package containing gummy candies and vape cartridges infused with cannabis at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.
The package from Canada, declared to contain “personal gifts and clothing,” was discovered to contain 20 pouches of gummies infused with cannabis and 49 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) vape cartridges with a total value estimated at P85,299.12, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
A certain Elvira Vicente presented an authorization letter from the consignee, a certain Vincent Castillo, to claim the package.
The illegal goods were discovered during a physical examination at the CMEC window, which was witnessed by the claimant as well as BOC and Philippine Postal Corporation representatives. The package also contained chocolates, cosmetics and clothing.
An initial field test conducted by the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force showed the gummies and vape cartridges contained cannabinoid, a chemical compound found in cannabis, also known as marijuana.
The seized gummies and vape cartridges were immediately submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chemical laboratory for further tests.
PDEA reminded the public that cannabis, as well as THC and any derivatives in any form containing this illegal substance, is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and that its unauthorized importation, sale, possession, cultivation, and use remain punishable under the law.
The arrested claimant and seized illegal goods were turned over to the PDEA for inquest proceedings for violating RA 9165 in relation to Section 118 (Prohibited Importation) and Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation) of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
