Philippine authorities seize 1.58 mln USD ketamine shipments-Xinhua - 新华网

MANILA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency have intercepted two shipments of ketamine weighing 19.89 kilos and valued at nearly 100 million pesos (about 1.58 million U.S. dollars), local media reported on Tuesday.

The joint operation seized the contraband on Oct. 22 at the Port of Clark after physical inspections uncovered the illicit drugs, according to the Philippine News Agency.

The first package from Switzerland was declared as coffee items bound for Mandaluyong City, while the second from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, was labeled as cleaning powder destined for Rizal. Laboratory tests confirmed both shipments contained ketamine.

The Philippine government has continuously stepped up its efforts to crack down on illegal drug crimes. Following the bust, customs officials announced stricter border surveillance and intensified cargo inspections. ■