BOC seizes yachts involved in illegal drugs transport

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BOC seizes yachts involved in illegal drugs transport
Photo from the Bureau of Customs.
  • The Bureau of Customs seized four private yachts involved in the transport of methamphetamine hydrochloride (locally known as shabu) in Batangas
  • The first yacht was seized on June 3 for transporting 1.4 tons of shabu valued at P9.68 billion
  • The shipment was intercepted at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on April 15, 2024
  • Subsequent investigations by BOC uncovered three additional undocumented private yachts, all owned by the same individual

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized four private yachts involved in the transport of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, in Batangas.

The first yacht was seized on June 3 for allegedly transporting 1.4 tons of shabu valued approximately at P9.68 billion. The shipment was intercepted at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on April 15, 2024, BOC said in a statement.

Subsequent investigations by BOC uncovered three additional undocumented private yachts, all owned by the same individual.

BOC-Port of Manila district collector Rizalino Jose Torralba subsequently issued a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) against the private yachts for alleged violation of Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. A BOC implementing team on June 27 executed the WSD.

The private yachts, currently docked in Nasugbu, Batangas, will be turned over to the BOC-Port of Manila Auction and Cargo Disposal Division.

The seizures were the result of a parallel investigation conducted by BOC with the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said BOC is “working tirelessly to collaborate closely with international partners, law enforcement agencies, and other government bodies to ensure coordinated and effective responses” against smuggling.

“Their efforts have already yielded significant results, and we are confident that, with continued vigilance, we will disrupt and dismantle these criminal operations,” he added.

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