The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced on Wednesday the interception of a significant drug shipment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), uncovering over P20 million worth of shabu hidden within whey protein supplements.
According to a statement released by the BOC, operatives from the Port District of NAIA discovered 3,028 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, concealed in the shipment. The estimated street value of the seized drugs amounts to P20.59 million.
Jean Atibagos, officer-in-charge of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, stated, “Upon examination on March 25, the seized shabu were contained in plastic vacuum pouches and self-sealing white pouches labeled as ‘whey protein.’ Noong na-X-ray ‘yung sa image niya may suspicious.”
Atibagos further explained the detection process, noting, “Pina-K9 siya o pinaamoy sa aso. Umupo ‘yung aso which means may indication na positive kaya binuksan po siya.”
The claimant of the shipment was apprehended, and the BOC confirmed that a criminal case will be filed against them for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
During interrogation, the suspect denied any knowledge of the illegal contents, claiming that an acquaintance had instructed him to retrieve the parcel. The suspect alleged that the acquaintance disappeared suddenly and provided fake identification cards supposedly given by the acquaintance.
“Dinala ko lang po ‘yung ID na dalawa sabi sa akin ay lagyan ko lang daw ng picture tapos pagbalik niya naka-laminate na. Sabi niya sa akin o ‘yan kunin mo na ‘yan doon. Sabi ko ano ba ‘to? Food supplement daw,” the suspect stated.
Customs officials emphasized the ongoing efforts to strengthen border security against drug trafficking. BOC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa stated, “The seizure is part of an ongoing operation to further fortify the country’s borders against the entry of illegal drugs.”
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reinforced the agency’s stance, saying, “The BOC will not tolerate such tactics, and ordered a nationwide intensified vigilance against substances disguised as health supplements.”
