P11.6M SHABU CONCEALED IN CAR PARTS FROM AFRICA SEIZED AT PORT OF CLARK

OPERATIVES of the Bureau of Customs, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted a shipment containing around 1,706 grams of shabu valued at P11,600,800 at the Port of Clark in Pampanga.

The shipment, which originated from South Africa, was bound for Angeles City, Pampanga.

Authorities said the shipment underwent regular Customs clearance procedures until the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) detected suspicious images within the declared car parts.

A subsequent K-9 sniff test yielded positive indications for illegal drugs, prompting the assigned Customs examiner to conduct a 100% physical examination.

During the examination, authorities discovered two engine pistons and one tensioner pulley kit concealing 17 black and transparent plastic packages containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine or “shabu.”

The contraband weighed approximately 1,706 grams, with an estimated standard drug value of P11.6 million.

Initial screening using a Rigaku Spectrometer indicated the presence of methamphetamine. Samples were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory laboratory examination.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued against the shipment for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l)(3) and (4) of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to Republic Act 9165, as amended.

District collector Jairus S. Reyes emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the capabilities of Customs personnel against evolving smuggling methods.

“Patuloy nating pinapalakas ang training at skills ng ating Customs frontliners. Their vigilance and expertise remain our strongest defense against evolving smuggling methods.”, Reyes said.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the deeper purpose behind the Bureau’s intensified anti-smuggling operations.

“Hindi lang halaga ng nasamsam ang mahalaga. Bawat pagkakasabat ay nangangahulugang mas maraming mapanganib na ilegal na droga ang napipigilang makarating sa mga pamilya at komunidad ng mga Pilipino,” Nepomuceno said.

The successful operation highlights the sustained coordination between the BOC–Port of Clark and its partner law enforcement agencies in strengthening border protection, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts against illegal drugs, and preventing these dangerous substances from reaching Filipino communities.