House body to conduct own probe into P6-B drug smuggling

The House of Representatives will conduct on Tuesday its own investigation on the smuggling of P6.4-billion worth of illegal drugs from China that passed through the Bureau of Customs (BOC) last May.

The House committee on dangerous drugs will tackle House Resolution No. 1054 filed by Surigao Del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers and House Resolution No. 1057 filed by Valenzuela City Representative Wesley Gatchalian, both urging the committee to probe the 605 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) that sneaked through the BOC’s express lane on May 23.

“Despite the intensity of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, the contraband from China was smuggled into the country,” said Barbers, chairman of the committee, in the resolution.

“The State needs to enhance further the law against illegal drugs through effective law enforcement and successful prosecution.”

In a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, senators grilled BOC officials for failing to prevent the shipment’s entry to the country.

BACKSTORY: Senate probes P6-B drug smuggling through Customs

BOC Risk Management Office Larrybert Hilario, who was accused of letting the shipment pass through inspection, is expected to face lawmakers and shed light on the issue after being reported missing. IDL

READ: BOC exec set to drop bombshell at House