MANILA -- An estimated PHP24.4 million worth of abortifacient drugs were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday.
In a statement, the BOC said Filipino passengers Reuben Jesse Bautista and Glenn More Gaddi onboard SQ918 Flight from Singapore were stopped after authorities found 34,910 tablets of Pfizer Cytotec Misoprostol 200 UG; 40,000 tablets of oral Pfizer Cytotec Comprimidos Misoprostol 200 MCG; and 3,500 tablets of Augmentin 625 MF Film Tablet Co-Amoxiclav in three pieces of luggage.
The customs examiner conducted the 100 percent physical examination in the presence of the customs appraisers, Enforcement Security Service agent, Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) supervisor, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and X-ray Inspection Project agents.
The CAIDTF agents confirmed that the seized tablets are used for abortion.
Customs agents requested the passengers to present the import declaration and corresponding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) import permit but failed to present such.
The Deputy Collector for Passenger Services recommended a warrant of seizure and detention to NAIA District Collector Edgar Macabeo for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act Section 118, Bureau of Food and Drugs advisory no. 02-02ii and Food, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Act.
The BFAD advisory warns all drugstore owners, pharmacists, consumers and all others concerned against dispensing/selling and using an unregistered drug product known as Misoprostol (Cytotec).
It added that manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale distribution, or transfer of any drug or device which is not registered with the Bureau is considered a violation of R.A. 3720 as amended.
The pieces of luggage are now at the In-Bond Room at Terminal 3 while the investigation is ongoing. (PNA)
