By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday foiled an attempt to smuggle some 70 kilograms (kg) of shabu worth close to PHP500 million concealed in three balikbayan boxes in a warehouse in Tondo, Manila.
Customs chief Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement the illegal drugs were discovered during x-ray scanning.
He said BOC examiners detected suspicious images in the two container vans declared as household goods and personal effects, which were then tagged for verification.
A physical examination was also conducted on the shipment by authorities supported by K9 units, which confirmed the presence of illegal drugs worth PHP476 million.
The shipment originated from Long Beach, California, USA, and was consigned to a residential address in Bacoor City, Cavite. The seized boxes contained 24 kg hidden inside a small box and a backpack, 27 kg in another box and a branded backpack mixed with canned goods, and 19 kg in a third box among assorted personal effects.
Nepomuceno said the interception highlights the BOC’s strengthened intelligence and enforcement efforts, and warned that balikbayan boxes, which symbolize the sacrifice of overseas Filipinos, must not be used for illegal activities.
He said the BOC, in close coordination with PDEA, will continue to block attempts by drug syndicates to use the country’s ports for smuggling.
“This successful interception reflects the BOC’s commitment to safeguarding the Filipino people from illegal drugs, in line with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen enforcement and uphold integrity in all border operations. We will continue to intensify coordination with partner agencies to prevent illegal substances from entering the country and ensure that violators face the full force of the law,” he added.
Charges are being prepared for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The operation was carried out by the Intelligence Group and Enforcement Group, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS)-Port of Manila and the Customs Anti-lllegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) under the Enforcement and Security Service, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. (PNA)
