The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a massive drug shipment containing over ₱749 million worth of shabu at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), marking another major blow to drug smugglers.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of the suspicious cargo on Thursday, July 17. Inside four boxes, authorities uncovered 110.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, concealed within the shipment.
Laboratory testing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) later confirmed that the seized substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride.
The illegal cargo is now in the custody of the PDEA for further investigation, with charges expected for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba credited the success of the operation to enhanced profiling protocols and the seamless coordination between enforcement agencies.
Nepomuceno emphasized the BOC’s firm stance against attempts to abuse shipping systems and balikbayan privileges.
“We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people,” he said.
