Suspect arrested for importing shabu

April 27, 2018

A joint operation of the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other agents from the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) on Friday resulted in the arrest of two drug suspects and the seizure of P20 million worth of illegal drugs in separate ocassions in Makati and Manila City.

The operation stemmed from a tip from the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

"In the afternoon of April 27, the joint elements NAIA-IADITG nabbed Antonio Lobiano Baguinbin, 38 years old, a resident of Sta. Ana, Manila and Gundelina B. David, 64 years old, a resident of 182 Pedro Gil St. Malate, Manila," Lapeña said.

Baguinbin was arrested after importing two kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth P10 million concealed in a package declared as home furniture –car seat booster.  Inside the package are two pouches of 821.4 grams and 1,251.4 grams of white colorless crystalline substance, respectively.

It was shipped from 24900, Anza Drive, Valencia, California, US by a certain Schiit Audio which arrived on April 23 at the FedEx Warehouse. The package was originally consigned to Arnel Montilla of Montojo St., Makati City.

Meanwhile, David was also nabbed for importing two kilos of shabu worth P10 million concealed in a parcel declared as baby crib.

The package was sent by Robert Knight of California to a certain Phoy M. Delacruz with address at 1605 Pedro Gil St., Ermita.

Baguinbin presented an ID bearing the name of the Phoy DelaCruz while David showed an authorization letter from Montilla.

Lapeña said the packages were subjected to controlled delivery to identify the personalities involved in the importation of the illegal drugs.

The suspects are in the custody of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and will be charged for violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. DMS