PR-868-09, The Philippine Embassy in the Islamic Republic reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that two Filipinos were apprehended by Iranian Authorities for attempting to smuggle illegal drugs to the Middle Eastern country.
The latest cases involved non-Iran based Filipino nationals who were duped by unscrupulous individuals, who may be connected to a network of international drug smugglers, into travelling to Iran purportedly to secure employment.
The unsuspecting victims were lured by offers of lucrative salaries in exchange for the seemingly easy task of transporting a package with their baggage. The packages, upon discovery by the Iranian customs authorities, contained illegal drugs.
In this regard, the DFA wishes to reiterate its warning to all Filipinos intending to travel to Iran to refrain from engaging in drug smuggling activities and to NOT ATTEMPT TO BRING ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO IRAN. UNDER SHARIA LAW, DRUG SMUGGLING IS PUNISHABLE BY LIFE IMPRISONMENT OR DEATH BY HANGING.
The public is also advised to be vigilant when offered similar job offers in Iran and to first check the veracity of the job being offered with the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment or the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency. END
