PDEA said it did not snub tip by Special Envoy to China Ramon Tulfo

October 8, 2019

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday debunked the claims of Special Envoy to China Ramon Tulfo they ignored a tip that two container vans containing P60 billion shabu will arrive in the country.

In a statement, PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said he was surprised by Tulfo's article last October 5.

“I just would like to clarify that PDEA did not ignore the tip. PDEA and other law enforcement agencies share information on drug smuggling and transactions,” Aquino said, adding an immediate probe on the issue will be conducted. 

Based on physical examination by Bureau of Customs (BOC), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice, and elements of PDEA Seaport Interdiction Unit, the 40-foot container bearing number WHLU5559440 with Bill of Lading Number 0229A01132 under WanHai Lines Ltd. coming from Taiwan that arrived last January did not carry illegal drugs. 

The container vans contained ukay-ukay or used clothes and insulating conductors.

During the inspection, the inspecting team noted there was an alteration on the flooring of the container, prompting the team to look further.

In his article, Tulfo claimed PDEA refused to take action on the tip they received.

"My informers say their consignees are 'waiting for the right time' to take the shipments out of customs," he said.  Ella Dionisio/DMS