The Bureau of Customs seized on Thursday nearly P750-million worth of shabu shipment hidden in balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the shipment declared as personal belongings was found to contain illegal drugs.
The 110.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride—otherwise known as “shabu”—were concealed in four boxes.
The seized contraband will be turned over to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further investigation.
Authorities will file appropriate charges against persons linked to the illegal importation of the shipment.
Nepomuceno said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently underscored the importance of strengthening border protection measures to prevent the entry of illicit drugs into the country.
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said the success of the operation reflects the effectiveness of the Customs’ strengthened profiling measures and inter-agency coordination.
“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,” Torralba said.
The seizure followed the confiscation of P304 million pesos worth of shabu and the arrest of two individuals by the Bureau of Customs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Customs busts almost P750-m worth of meth hidden in balikbayan boxes”
