Int’l body tapped in probe of crystal meth smuggling

Customs Commssioner Nicanor Faeldon (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

Brussels-based World Customs Organization (WCO) has been tapped to conduct a third-party investigation of the smuggling into the Philippines of P6.4 billion worth of high-grade “shabu” (crystal meth) that entered the Philippines  through the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) “express lane,” Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said on Monday.

“They have already assigned the one in charge in the enforcement of all customs fraud in the entire world to conduct an investigation about this,” Faeldon said in an interview with reporters before the Senate blue committee began its inquiry into the illegal shipment.

The BOC chief said he sent last week a written communication to the WCO head requesting the organization to investigate.

‘Best technical expertise’

WCO has the “best technical expertise” in areas such as smuggling and customs risk management system, according to Faeldon.

The organization represents more than 170 customs administrations globally and processes more than 98 percent of all international trade.

WCO also administers the technical aspects of World Trade Organization agreements on customs valuation and rules of origin.

Faeldon has also sent a letter to President Duterte asking for the creation of a body that would also conduct a “thorough and full blown” inquiry into the  drug smuggling.

“I really want it investigated up to the last detail. I want the truth to come out,” he said.

Faeldon denied allegations that the BOC was trying to divert public attention from the issue when his executive assistant accused Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez of using his influence to get an unqualified person promoted at the bureau.

“It’s not a diversionary tactic. In fact, I really don’t want to talk about that. I want to focus on the investigation and I assure everyone, that it is the bureau’s interest to really come up with exactly what happened,” he said.