MANILA – A 37-year-old American was arrested after authorities intercepted an inbound parcel containing more than 2.3 kilograms of suspected MDMA, or ecstasy, valued at PHP10.1 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Olu,” appeared at the CMEC on Tuesday afternoon as the authorized representative and claimant of the parcel.

Authorities said they recovered about 2,385 grams of black crystalline substance suspected to be MDMA concealed inside assorted food packages, along with 942 pink tablets and tablet fragments suspected to be dangerous drugs.

According to the PDEA, the parcel originated from Vancouver, Canada, and was declared to contain assorted food items, toiletries, candies, cereals, clothing and other personal effects in an apparent attempt to conceal the illegal substances.

Investigators also seized several non-drug pieces of evidence, including identification cards, an authorization letter, bank cards, a cellular phone, a wristwatch and other personal belongings believed to be relevant to the investigation.

The suspected illegal drugs will be turned over to the PDEA Laboratory Service for forensic examination.

The suspect remains under investigation and is expected to face charges for violating Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.