Authorities nab Canadian national over 650 ephedrine tablets

Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have arrested a Canadian national who claimed a parcel containing hundreds of ephedrine tablets, an ingredient in making shabu, in Pasay City.

Police identified the suspect as Gary Gardner Mader, He was collared at the Central Mail Exchange Center along Domestic Road around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the recovered 650 pieces of ephedrine tablets were sent to the post office through a parcel shipped by NutriFarm Supplement, which had an indicated address at 877 Alness St, Unit 14, Toronto, Canada. Authorities have yet to determine the monetary value of the seized contraband.

PNP Spokesman Sr. Supt. Bernard Banac told INQUIRER.net that authorities became suspicious of Mader, citing the volume of seized ephedrine tablets.

Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police

Ephedrine is a precursor to manufacturing shabu, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Spokesperson Derrick Carreon.

“Being a precursor or ingredient, it is illegal to import it into the country, unless you have a permit or authority from PDEA,” Banac said in a text message.

Banac said the suspect was charged in violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police said they are conducting further investigation to determine possible cohorts of the suspect. /kga