P109.8M SHABU CONCEALED ALONG PACKS OF COFFEE POWDER FROM VIETNAM SEIZED AT PASAY CARGO WAREHOUSE

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify border protection and bolster the national government’s anti-drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) intercepted shipments containing 16,150 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu worth P109,820,000 at the Paircargo Warehouse in Pasay City.

The BOC yesterday said that the shipments, declared as e-commerce consolidated packages, arrived from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Following the detection of suspicious images during x-ray screening, a 100 percent physical examination was conducted, which led to the discovery of three styrofoam boxes containing 26 packages of white crystalline substances concealed alongside packs of coffee powder.

Field testing conducted by CAIDTF and PDEA yielded positive results for methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The seized illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation.

The two representatives of the consignee logistics company were arrested on-site in violation of Republic Act  9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

The case also constitutes violations of Republic Act  10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), particularly Section 1400 (Misdeclaration), Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation and Exportation), and Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation).

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno praised the swift action of the personnel involved, stating, “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.”

District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad likewise noted, “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.”

This major interdiction reaffirms the BOC’s unwavering commitment to enforce customs and anti-drug laws, protect public safety, and support the national government’s ongoing campaign against the proliferation of illegal drugs.