THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday confiscated some P749.63 million worth of shabu from balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of a consolidated shipment found to contain illegal drugs at the MICP.
Nepomuceno said the inspection uncovered 110.24 kg. of suspected shabu concealed in four boxes, with an estimated street value of P749.63 million.
Acting on credible intelligence from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-MICP, the bureau issued an Alert Order on a 1-by-40-foot container declared as “balikbayan” boxes.
Samples were immediately extracted and submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing.
Laboratory results later confirmed that the recovered substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride.
The seized illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA for further investigation.
According to Nepomuceno, the BOC remains unyielding in its campaign against drug smuggling.
“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,” the BOC chief said.
Nepomuceno said those behind the illegal shipment will face charges for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Dangerous Drugs Act.
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