The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully intercepted a shipment containing methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as "shabu," at the Port of Clark, Pampanga.
According to BOC, the illegal drugs, concealed within four aluminum tubes, weighed approximately 1,502.93 grams and were valued at ₱10.219 million.
The shipment, which originated from the United States, was falsely declared as a "Black Vinyl Window Made Out of PVC."
The operation began on January 19, 2025, when the shipment was flagged for physical examination based on enhanced profiling and advance document screening. Upon its arrival the following day, the shipment underwent x-ray scanning through the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), which revealed unusual images.
A subsequent physical inspection revealed the black vinyl window with tempered glass, inside which the aluminum tubes were hidden, each containing the suspected shabu.
Following the drug's discovery, a joint examination was conducted by the BOC, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office III, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Aviation Security Unit General Aviation, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group III, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga, and local Barangay officials of Dau.
District Collector Jairus Reyes commended the operation, emphasizing the BOC’s commitment to border security and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in curbing illicit activities as mandated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"This successful operation highlights our dedication in safeguarding our borders through increased vigilance and close cooperation with our partner agencies," Reyes said.
As a result of the interception, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for the shipment, citing violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (R.A. No. 10863) and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (R.A. No. 9165).
"The BOC is dedicated to preventing smuggling activities and strengthening border security to protect our nation and citizens from the threats posed by illicit substances,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed.
