Pasay city: The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), has successfully intercepted illegal drugs valued at approximately PHP199.7 million. The contraband, consisting of shabu and high-grade marijuana, was concealed in packages declared as personal effects and discovered at a warehouse in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the shipment comprised 15 boxes originating from Canada. It was flagged by the BOC X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after suspicious images were detected during X-ray screening. This led to the issuance of an Alert Order, prompting a comprehensive physical examination and verification of the packages.

During the inspection process, authorities found six boxes containing 28 cans with around 28.324 kilos of suspected shabu, valued at an estimated PHP92.60 million. Additionally, another box was found to contain approximately 4.75 kilos of suspected kush, a high-grade marijuana, worth PHP7.12 million. The inspection also revealed 20 towels and 20 duvets suspected to contain liquid methamphetamine.

Samples from the suspected shabu, high-grade marijuana, and liquid methamphetamine were subjected to laboratory examination by PDEA, confirming the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride and cannabis.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the critical role that intelligence-driven profiling, X-ray screening, and inter-agency coordination play in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country. He emphasized the importance of utilizing technology, intelligence, and agency partnerships to enhance the ability to detect and intercept such shipments before they reach communities.

BOC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa reiterated the Port's commitment to maintaining vigilance in screening shipments and working closely with partner agencies to thwart smuggling attempts through the country's primary international gateway.

The operation was a result of coordinated efforts involving the PDEA, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Enforcement and Security Service, XIP, NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, and other concerned authorities.