RA 9165, Sec. 4: Importation Penalties

1.) Illegal Drugs

Life imprisonment and a fine of Php500,000 to 10 million for importation of dangerous drugs, regardless of the purpose, unless authorized by law. It used to be life imprisonment to death until the death penalty was suspended in 2006.

2.) Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals

12 years and 1 day to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of Php100,000 to 500,000 for importation of controlled precursors and essential chemicals unless authorized by law (like through pharmaceutical companies.)

3.) Protectors/coddlers

12 years and 1 day to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of Php100,000 to 500,000 for protectors/coddlers.

4.) Financiers

Maximum penalty, depending on whether the importation is of a dangerous drug or a controlled precursor and essential chemical.

5.) Use of Diplomatic Facilities

Maximum penalty, as in #4, if the dangerous drugs or controlled precursor and essential chemical was brought into the country under a diplomatic passport or through other diplomatic facilities or if the importer used his diplomatic status to facilitate importation. Additionally, the diplomatic passport will be canceled and confiscated.