The highest point of intervention took place when a joint task force from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a shipment containing 404.9515 kilograms of shabu with an estimated street value of about P2.7 billion.
The shipment of drugs was packed in boxes labelled vermicelli and custards, from Karachi, Pakistan. The operation was coordinated with the Department of Justice-National Prosecution Service; thus, during the early morning of May 28, a container with suspected drugs was intercepted.
The shipment was by Ayan Enterprise/Trading & Logistics while Red Shinting Consumer Goods Trading was identified as the consignee in Las Piñas City.
During a joint press conference, NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago confirmed the arrest of some individuals who took part in the shipment attempt. Those arrested include:
Oscar Campo Berba, consignee of Red Shinting Consumer Goods Trading
Kevin Lee Manuel Arrio, customs broker
Richard Perlado Aguantar, customs broker
Karen Villaflor Sacro, chairman of Ark Global Movers (Freight Forwarding Company)
Rey Baysa Gujilde, president of Ark Global Movers
Investigations revealed the suspects employing many documents-making processes and deception methods involving multiple layering in order to disguise their illegal activities and allow the illegal drugs to enter the country.
After arrest, the suspects were brought before the Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service for inquest proceedings. They have been charged with violating Republic Act 9165.
