Online shopping site Lazada is now under the lens of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) after information surfaced that it was allegedly selling drug paraphernalia on its website.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino wants an explanation from the online shopping site.
The online shopping site was implicated after an operation of the PDEA’s special enforcement service in a hotel in Pasig city where more than 500 thousand pesos worth of liquid ecstasy, high grade marijuana and other illegal substances were seized.
Arrested suspects admitted to purchasing drug paraphernalia through the shopping site.
“Imposible na may pumapasok dyan na hindi nila alam eh? ibig sabihin walang safeguard? Kung may magbenta ng shabu dyan sa kanila, okay lang? Lahat ng mga sellers nila dapat monitored nila. We will conduct an investigation,” Aquino said.
PDEA said it is also investigating a delivery service company for its alleged participation in the transport of illegal drugs.
Lazada says it has in place various policies and procedures to protect the integrity of its platform and customers. It adds that its merchants have signified that they are fully compliant with local laws adding various policies are in place to protect its platform.
Lazada vows to cooperate in any investigation once approached by authorities. (Jasper Camilo)