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The Bureau of Customs intercepted P109.8 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, concealed in shipments from Hanoi, Vietnam
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The illegal drugs were concealed in styrofoam boxes mixed with coffee powder and declared as e-commerce packages
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The seizure followed x-ray screening and 100% physical inspection at the Paircargo Warehouse in Pasay City on October 6
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Two representatives of the consignee logistics company were arrested on-site
The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) has intercepted P109.8 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, concealed in shipments from Hanoi, Vietnam.
The seizure took place on October 6 at the Paircargo Warehouse in Pasay City, following coordinated efforts with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, BOC said in a statement.
The seized shipment was declared as e-commerce consolidated packages, but x-ray screening revealed suspicious images, prompting a 100% physical examination. Authorities discovered a total of 16,150 grams of the illegal substance inside three styrofoam boxes, hidden alongside coffee powder packs.
Field testing conducted by PDEA and the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force confirmed the substance as methamphetamine hydrochloride.
The illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation. Two representatives of the consignee logistics company were arrested on-site for violating Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The case also involves breaches of RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, specifically Sections 1400 (Misdeclaration), 1401 (Unlawful Importation and Exportation), and 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation).
BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno lauded the prompt action of the NAIA port personnel and partner agencies. “This interception highlights the Bureau’s vigilance and dedication to preventing drug syndicates from using legitimate trade channels for illicit operations. Our commitment to border protection remains steadfast and uncompromising.”
BOC-NAIA district collector Alexandra Lumontad added, “The success of this operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven profiling and inter-agency coordination. BOC-NAIA will continue to uphold its mandate to ensure that our airports remain secure against any form of smuggling or illegal drug activity.”
