Around P10 million worth of ketamine was seized at the Port of Clark in Pampanga, leading to the arrest of a Malaysian national who claimed the shipment of fitness equipment that included the contraband, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said.
Customs enforcers found the ketamine on Jan. 30 in eight plastic pouches that were hidden in a package containing a fitness expander, massage twister, trimmer, push-up bar and yoga block from Malaysia.
Upon receiving information from the National Bureau of Investigation, the shipment was subjected to a chemical analysis that confirmed it was ketamine.
Ketamine is an anesthetic that is also used by some as “recreational drugs.” It is classified as a dangerous drug under Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, or Republic Act No. 9165.
Malaysian arrested
Authorities of the Port of Clark immediately issued a warrant of seizure against the shipment and planned a controlled delivery operation.
The next day, representatives from the Port of Clark and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency jointly delivered the package to the consignee’s address in Pasig City and arrested the Malaysian, identified as Thai Lian Shiong, 24.
The consignee will be charged with violation of Section 4 of RA 9165 (Importation of Dangerous Drugs).