Ukay-ukay yields marijuana
Police in Passi City are coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to investigate further what could be the drug traffickers’ new mode of transporting narcotics.
This after an “ukay-ukay” vendor recovered dried marijuana leaves stashed inside a used pillow case which came along with other used household linen.
Passi City police director, Supt. Mariano Palmes estimates the marijuana leaves to be around 150 grams, and, so far, their biggest recovery yet.
Palmes said that Evelyn Palomaria of Brgy. Man-it in Passi City was emptying the bundle into her display rack when she discovered the leaves stashed inside a satin pillow case around 11 a.m. yesterday.
At first she thought the leaves were herbal medicines, but later grew suspicious that it may be marijuana, Palmes said. It was then that Palomaria went to the police.
Palmes estimates the marijuana leaves to be about 150 grams, and, so far, the biggest narcotics haul in Passi City.
Palomaria told the police that they get their supply from a certain John Ko, in Mandurriao district, Palmes said.
The bundle containing the used household linens, which traders call ‘household mix,’ was delivered to Palomaria Monday, but it was opened only yesterday when almost all of her previous stock was already sold.
Palmes said that Palomaria will not be charged in connection with the illegal drugs.
The drugs were not intended for her, and she was in good faith, he said of Palomaria.
Moreover, they only place their orders with their dealer, who in turn delivers them the bundles of ukay-ukay in sealed sacks.
“She could not have intended to possess drugs because it was her who told the police of what she found. Had the drugs been really intended for her, she would not have reported it to the police,” Palmes said.
However, police cannot identify to whom the drugs were intended to be delivered.
Palmes believes that drug traffickers and pushers must have resorted to this mode of transporting narcotics because ukay-ukay goods are rarely inspected in the ports.
At some point in the transshipment of the bundle, he added, there must have been a mix up.