PDEA, Port Cops Seize Marijuana from a RORO Passenger
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Port Police Operatives of the Lipata Ferry Terminal collared an outbound RORO passenger after K9 dogs detected the presence of illegal drugs during a random inspection on Sunday, September 11, September 2022.
According to a report filed by the Port Police Officer on Duty, PPO2 Vincelyn Eviota, the Seaport Interdiction Unit (SIU) of the PDEA requested the Lipata Port Police to assist them in an anti-illegal drug operation after K9 sniffing dogs showed signs indicating the presence of Dangerous Drugs while conducting a random inspection of baggage owned by passengers on board MV MA OLIVA sailing from Liloan Port to the Port of Lipata.
Upon disembarkation of passengers and rolling cargoes of MV MA OLIVA, the operatives conducted a random inspection of all disembarking passengers and rolling cargoes.
It was then that the K9 dogs of PDEA Surigao Seaport Interdiction Unit and Philippine Coastguard pinpointed the presence of dangerous drugs inside a white Toyota Hi-Ace Passenger Van with plate number GAG 1715.
Upon thorough inspection of the vehicle, a sealed pouch and a bag were then found to contain Cannabis Sativa, also known as "Marijuana," owned by a certain Reydan T. Ceralde, from Nasipit town in Agusan del Norte.
Appropriate charges for violation of RA 9165 shall be filed against Ceralde who is now under the custody of the PNP Surigao del Norte Maritime Police. (PPA-PMO Surigao/PIA- Surigao del Norte)
